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PIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 



HOW TO 
DEVELOP IT 



REV. E. W. SPMBUE 




Class _rMJAl^ 

Book ■■::^' 

CopyrigMK? 



COIVRIGHT DEPOSOi 



SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP. 



ITS VARIOUS PHASES. 

HOW DEVELOPED, AND SAFELY 

PRACTICED. 

A COMPENDIUM OF PSYCHIC SCIENCE. 

FOR SEANCES, CIRCLES AND INDIVIDUAL 

USE. 
THE MEDIUM'S COMPANION AND GUIDE. 



By Rev. E. Vv^. Sprague 

ex-missionary of the national spiritu- 
ALIST ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA, AND THIRTY 
YEARS A PUBLIC MEDIUM. 



"How dear are the moments of spirit communion, 

When love seeks its own from the realms of the blest, 
Where souls may aspire in affectionate union, 

And care fades away from minds sore oppressed. 
Beautiful angels. Heaven's Evangels, 

Commissioned to earth on your errands of love, 
We pledge our endeavors and faithfulness, ever 

To stand by the truth, and our loyalty prove." 



Published by 

Rev. E. W. Sprague, 

Detroit, Mich. 



5Fi^S^ 



.St 



Copyright, 1912, 
By Rev. E. W. Sprague, 
Detroit, Mich. 



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INDEX 



Page 

Advice and Teachings of Spirits Beautiful 125 

Automatic Writing 66 

A Medium's Compensation 101 

Absent Healing 94 

Advice to Mediums 40 

A Little Kindly Advice 128 

All Need Friends 129 

Auto-Suggestion 35 

Book Announcements ': 133 

Bad Habits Cured : 105 

Baths 48 

Conditions Necessary for Good Results 50 

Clairaudience 63 

Communications not Infallible 21 

Conclusion 132 

Clairvoyance and Clairsentience 61 

Conscious Trance 73 

Crude Manifestations, etc 37 

Cured of the Tobacco Habit 106 

Conditions Required 20 

Cuticle 11 

Dark Circles 108 

Difference Between Telepathy and Mind Reading.... ^82 

Dark Circles not for Mental Phases 47 



Page 

Diet 47 

Diagnosing Disease Clairvoyantly . . 89 

Different Phases of Mediumship 53 

Dermo-Psychography 87 

Danger of Misleading Mediums by Suggestion 33 

Elijah a Fire Medium 71 

Evil Spirits 35 

Elijah's Last Seance 72 

Etherialization 60 

Education of Mediums 12 

Fraudulent Investigators 99 

Facts to be Considered in the Development of 

Mediumship 20 

Fraudulent Mediums 98 

Fire Fails to Burn Bible Trio 72 

Fortune Tellers 98 

Fire Mediums 69 

Foretelling Events 88 

Great Value of Mediumship 6 

How to Form a Circle 43 

How Spirits Control Mediums 22 

Impersonating Spirits 79 

Impressional Mediumship 65 

Inspiration 73 

Impersonation 77 

Is Mediumship Dangerous ? 27 

Independent Slate Writing 68 



Page 

Indian Spirits as Controls HI 

Impressional Writing 67 

Inspirational Writing 66 

Intuition 88 

Impersonation 11 

Law Governs All YT 

Mutual Confidence of Mediums and Spirits Essential. 49 

Mediumistic Development Explained 24 

Magnetic Attractions 49 

Mediumship Governed by Laws of Both Worlds 16 

Mediumship a Partnership 41 

Mediumship Inherited 7 

Mediumship and Insanity 30 

Materialization 60 

Mission of Mediumship 127 

Mind Reading 82 

Magnetic Healing 90 

Mediums Begin Work too Soon • 114 

Mediums Should Demand Their Own Conditions.... 121 

Mediums Guides Assist Other Spirits 122 

Mediums Should Cultivate Self-Control 118 

Matter or Spirit 17 

Moses a Fire Medium 71 

Mental Mediums Subjects of Suggestion 33 

Personation 59 

Psychometry 85 

Power of Mental Suggestion 31 

Reading Pellets and Sealed Questions 95 

Suggestion 31 

Science and Mediumship 103 



Page 

Should Children Sit in Circles ? 50 

Sub-Conscious Mind 102 

Somnambulism 80 

Spirit Photography 76 

Spirit Writing on the Skin 87 

Spiritual Healing 91 

Self-Control 129 

Spirits Find Lost, Spectacles 96 

Speaking in Tongues 57 

Spirit Raps 55 

Study of Mediumship 15 

Strange Writings 67 

Semi-Conscious Trance 7Z 

Trance 73 

Transfiguration 60 

Table Tipping 55 

Trumpet Speaking 56 

Telepathy 82 

To our Mediums 1 18 

To the Reader 130 

Time for Seances 46 

Unconscious Trance 72t 

Vibratory Laws Govern Mediumship 23 

Who are Spirit Mediums ? 10 

Work of Mediums Spirit Band 122 

What is Spirit Mediumship? 5 




REV. E. W. SPRAGUE. 



DEDICATION. 



First : 

To the many faithful and true mediums and their 
noble guides and inspirers who have fought the good 
fight against the mighty forces of ignorant prejudice, 
religious bigotry, intolerance, and persecution, that 
the great and saving truths of Modern Spiritualism 
might become the common knowledge of the people of 
this world. 

Second : 

To those who honestly seek to unfold their "spir- 
itual gifts" or faculties and develop their mediumship, 
in order to become useful in the hands of the spirit 
friends in voicing the truths of a future life, bringing 
health to the physical bodies of men, peace and knowl- 
edge to their minds, with education regarding the laws 
of life and how to live up to their requirements, that 
heaven may be realized upon earth, this volume is 
lovingly dedicated. 



PREFACE. 



In publishing this book the author hopes to be of 
some assistanec in eliminating the absurd and ridicu- 
lous vagaries that have become attached to Spiritual- 
ism and Mediumship, and to help counteract the ex- 
travagant claims of some of its opponents regarding 
''The Dangers of Psychism/' or the practice of med- 
iumship; and most of all, to give encouragement and 
assistance to mediums in their laudable efforts to un- 
fold the beautiful faculty and God-given gift of med- 
iumship. Every well-developed medium, and every 
well-informed spiritualist knows that the application 
of the teachings of Modern Spiritualism is the salva- 
tion of mankind; and also that modern Spirit Med- 
iumship is the rock upon which it rests. 

Experience is the greatest teacher, and the author of 
this book being a medium himself with many years of 
active service, and having personally experienced 
nearly every phase of mediumship mentioned in this 
work, naturally feels that he is better qualified to 
speak upon the subject than are many authors of note 
who have developed no mediumship themselves, and 
whose knowledge of the subject has come to them sec- 
ond hand, as all they know has been acquired by ob- 
servation of the phenomena occurring through others. 

The facts here recorded are based entirely upon the 
author's thirty years and more of daily experience 
through his own mediumship, and the teachings of his 
spirit inspirers, as well as through the mediumship of 
many others. His knowledge of the subject being 
founded on personal experience, may furnish an ex- 
cuse and partially justify the frequent personal refer- 
ence made throughout the book. 



CHAPTER I. 

What Is Spirit Mediumship? 

Man is a spirit, whether clothed in the mortal body 
or inhabiting a spiritual body. 

Mediumship is a natural faculty and belongs to the 
spirit of man in every sphere of life, the same as all 
of his other faculties. 

Mental mediumship illuminates to a great degree 
every other faculty of its possessor. The extent of 
this illumination depends upon the degree of medium- 
istic development attained, as well as the degree of 
unfoldment of the other faculties. Mediumship should 
be highly prized by every one, as it is one of the most 
beautiful, useful and soul-satisfying faculties pos- 
sessed by man in the mortal form. Mediumship may 
be developed and its power increased just the same as 
the other faculties. 

The wisest and best people of the spirit world, and 
all high-minded Spiritualists demand a mediumship 
embodying the highest morality and the greatest aspir- 
ations for the good, the beautiful, the intellectual, the 
true and the spiritual. While looking for these blessed 
attributes we should not forget the truth of the words 
attributed to Jesus of Nazareth: ''None are perfect; 
no, not one.'' Also: ''Be ye perfect even as your 
Father in heaven is perfect." The last is a beautiful 
ideal though it may be impossible of attainment; and 
yet, if we aspire for good we must improve; such is 
the law. Then let us give to the spirit-friends the 
very best we can in thought, in aspiration, and in deed. 

Hope, prayerful aspiration, earnest effort and 
cheerfulness must fill our thoughts and lives if we 
would develop rapidly. 



6 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

''As wave after wave chase each other in quick suc- 
cession over the great ocean's breast, so do our 
thoughts follow each other over the mysterious sea of 
consciousness." 

In sending out our thoughts upon this mysterious 
sea we should know that they are caught by the angelic 
beings of the soul realm who are ever ready to respond 
to them when they are prayerful for good, and condi- 
tions will permit. This fact should be sufficient to 
cause us to think only beautiful thoughts, elevating 
thoughts, harmonious thoughts, that we may call to us 
those noble and exalted spirits whose presence and 
assistance we court and appreciate. 

Great Value of Mediumship. 

The question of a future life for mankind is the all- 
important question. Anyone standing at the grave of 
his loved one needs to know if there is a life beyond, 
where loved ones meet to part no more. 

Spirit Mediumship is the gateway to knowledge. JX_ 
is the foundation of all religions. Through it, all that 
is known of a future life for mankind has come. 

n it is true, as some believe, that no spirit has ever 
communicated with people of the earth, then every 
church of every nation on earth is a monument of 
folly, and every bible a record of falsehood, and noth- 
ing whatever is known of a future life for the human 
race. 

On the other hand, if the spirit of one single man 
who has died has ever, at any period in the history of 
the race, in ancient or modern times, communicated 
with men in the mortal form, and that fact can be 
positively established, then such statements recorded 
in the so-called sacred writings of the world may be 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. / 

accepted as possible truths, and the churches of the 
world may have been erected upon a substantial foun- 
dation ; because if one such fact is fully established it 
proves conclusively that man survives death, and we 
reason that if one man continues to live after death, 
all men will do so. 

Modern Spiritualism has proved and is daily demon- 
strating that man survives death; therefore, the sub- 
ject of spirit-mediumship is of the greatest importance 
to the human race, since we all must pass from this 
plane of life, and naturally are interested in knowing 
if we are to continue to live. 

Mediumship Inherited. 

^^AjDiediuiaJike a musician, inventor, artist, or poet, 
is onfLirom birth. One may possess any of these fac- 
ulties in a large or small degree, and they may be de- 
veloped by proper training. This is certainly true_of 
mediumship. " 

Every child should be taught to appreciate his five 
beautiful senses. How lovely it is to be able to see, 
feel, hear, smell and taste! How wonderful to be 
able to think, love, hope, aspire and reason! These 
jewels of the soul are priceless treasures; but 
MEDIUMSHIP AS EXPLAINED AND PRAC- 
TICED BY SPIRITS AND ENLIGHTENED 
SPIRITUALISTS, ILLUMINATES THEM ALL. 

To be able to discern the presence of one's spirit 
mother is a blessed privilege and is highly appreciated 
by those who are endowed with the faculty, as well as 
by others who understand Spiritualism. Furthermore, 
the person endowed with this factulty is able to dis- 
cern innumerable other things, both of the spirit and 
the material world, that otherwise remain unseen and 



8 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

unknown. Mediumship makes it possible to discern 
temperaments, dispositions, capacities, motives, de- 
sires, moral, mental and physical conditions of peo- 
ple in the mortal form; and a thousand other things 
in the physical, mental and spiritual realm that are 
useful and helpful in the development of one's self and 
in helping others. For the above stated reasons and 
many others that might be mentioned, every mentally 
well balanced person should seek the best conditions 
^ obtainable and take up the work of mediumistic un- 
foldment. 

People who are weak minded or mentally unbal- 
anced should not attempt the development of medium- 
ship ; they should first seek to attain proper control of 
their own minds. Many who have been mentally un- 
balanced have become permanently cured by the aid of 
mediums and thus prepared for the unfoldment of 
their mediumship. Every class of disease nearly has 
been eradicated and the patients permanently healed 
by spirit power exercised through mediumship. A 
proper development of mediumship strengthens the 
moral character, develops individuality, and prepares 
one to meet the trials and struggles of life in a calm 
and confident manner. It unfolds the spiritual nature, 
develops optimistic and trustful qualities, and helps 
the medium to realize more fully the beautiful in life, 
as well as to see that all things work together for good, 
and that in the ultimate every soul will find its spiritual 
center when all will be well. / 

The development of the medial faculties is perma- 
nent. These powers we carry with us into spirit 
life. They are of much greater value in that sphere of 
existence because everything there is spiritually dis- 
cerned. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. V 

Our Spiritual faculties take the place of our so- 
called five physical senses when we reach the spirit 
world. The little we grasp through our spiritual fac- 
ulties in this life, constitutes a safe promise of the 
fact that we shall discern more when we arrive in the 
great spiritual kingdom, and are freed from the limita- 
tions of these physical bodies. All this being true, it 
becomes plain that the development of one's spiritual 
gifts is no more nor less than laying up treasures for 
use in Heaven. Whatever spiritual development one 
acquires in this life will constitute his capital with 
"which to enter the great field of spiritual progression 
in that better land; therefore, the investment in these 
powers is a safe one, inasmuch as it is true that there 
can be no progression there without them. 

O that men in the mortal could realize this fact and 
the great value of the development of these powers 
while in the earth form ! It should be clear to us all 
that we ought to make the greatest effort to unfold 
these powers, so as to become well equipped for our 
work in the spirit land. y 

Another fact niust be mentioned. The development 
of the spiritual faculties, while in this life qualifies 
one to return and communicate through mediums after 
one's transition. One possessing clairvoyant powers 
here can, after his transition, look back through the 
same faculties and see and discern what is transpiring 
on this side of life. This truth will be realized only in 
accordance with the degree of development acquired I 
here. ^ 

In removing from the comparative denseness of the 
physical body to the brightness of the spiritual body 
clearer perceptions result, for the denseness of the 



10 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

physical form limits the spiritual activities. Dwelling 
in the body disciplines, and earthly experiences educate 
and develop the spirit, preparing it for the higher life ; 
but when the spiritual faculties receive little or no 
development, one remains in ignorance of that life 
and is consequently in darkness. Every spirit's condi- 
tion depends absolutely upon the state of unfoldment 
his spiritual faculties have received. 

Here lies an important truth, one that should be 
known and well understood, as it certainly affects us 
all. It should inspire us to put forth earnest effort to 
obtain the development of those spiritual faculties with 
which we are endowed. Every lesson pertaining to 
such development that we acquire, is treasure laid up 
for use in the world to come, and is also a great help 
and blessing to us in this life. 

The unfoldment of the spiritual powers consists, not 
alone in the development of the ability to receive spirit 
messages, but in learning how they are produced, and 
in acquiring a knowledge of the beautiful Spiritual 
Philosophy that they teach and portray. 

Who are Spirit Mediums? 

A spirit medium is one who may be used by spirits 
to communicate with people in the mortal form 
through what is termed the physical and mental 
phases of mediumship. 

Mental mediums are usually endowed with large 
ideality. They possess lively imaginations and a love 
of the beautiful, and are easily developed as poets, 
artists, inventors, etc. They attract spirit poets who 
improvise and write poetry through them, and artists 
w^ho produce spirit pictures and other works of art, 
revealing facts in nature, etc. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 11 

The quality of these manifestations, like all others, 
depends upon other and various qualifications of the 
medium ; for instance, the quality of the poetry will 
depend upon the faculty of language, the temperament, 
rythmic nature, etc., of the medium. If his language 
is highly developed, the poetry will be more beautifully 
expressed than it will if his vocabulary is small and 
poorly developed. 

If one would develop the best mediumship he should 
live an honest, simple, and pure life. It requires devo- 
tion to the cause, systematic methods, perseverance, 
and time for growth. Mediumship in most cases is 
slow in its unf oldment ; but the medium who properly 
practices his powers never ceases in his development; 
he should ever aspire to greater unfoldment and live 
up to the laws governing it. 

The spiritual life and personal mediumship of every 
individual should be developed to that extent, at least, 
that he may communicate with his own spirit friends 
without the assistance of any other medium; then he 
will know for himself the great truth of a life after 
death and the greatest source of knowledge will be 
open to him. 

The Cuticle. 

The quality of the cuticle with which the nervous 
system is insulated has much to do with one*s medium- 
ship. Our spirit teachers tell us that persons having 
naturally warm viscous skins are idealists according to 
the degree in which they possess such cuticle, and are 
subject to influences of a mental character. That peo- 
ple of the class who possess a cold, clammy, or sticky 
cuticle, are also subjects of hypnotic control and pos- 
sess the elements requisite for the development of 



/ 



12 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

physical niediumship. A person may possess, in some 
degree, both physical and mental mediumship. 

Persons having a warm, dry, silky cuticle, free from 
viscous or sticky conditions are not easily influenced 
by mortals or spirits. 

The magnetism generated in the organism of a heal- 
ing medium is warm, and the spiritual forces of the 
controlling spirit are cold, or without warmth, when 
they reach the organism of the medium; but when 
being applied direct to the patient without using a 
medium they are quite certain to produce a shock, or 
a feeling of chilliness to the patient. This condition 
is often felt when one is receiving treatment from 
spirits when alone, as well as when being treated by a 
spiritual healer. 

If a spirit can move a stand, produce a rap, cause a 
person's hand to move about, or cause him to see a 
spirit form, hear a spirit voice, or in any way influence 
him, then that person is a medium, and by using proper 
methods, his powers may be developed just as any of 
his other faculties may be unfolded by proper training. 

Therefore, if one's mediumship seems small, it 
should be highly prized and properly developed to a 
greater degree of usefulness. 

Education of Mediums. 

Modern Spiritualism is a great school. The spirit 
friends are its teachers. Mediums and investigators 
are its pupils. Circles, seances, psychical research so- 
cieties, etc., constitute its classes. The better pre- 
pared physically, mentally, morally, educationally, and 
spiritually the medium may be, the wiser and more 
spiritual the teachers will be whom he will attract. 
The better prepared the medium becomes, the better 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 13 

the manifestations and communications he will be 
capable of receiving. This being true, mediums should 
use every possible means, aided by the spirit friends, 
to develop a high appreciation and aspiration for 
truth, desiring to become useful instruments in the 
hands of the spirit world in bringing blessings to man- 
kind. 

The proper development of mediumship is reached 
through the unfoldment of the medium's mind, the 
attuning of his brain and other nerves to the higher 
spiritual vibrations, the development of the muscles to 
great tension, the ability to relax them, etc. The 
nerves, brain, and muscles of a developed medium 
have undergone a great change. They may be oper- 
ated by a much higher vibration than of one who is 
not developed. The medium thinks more rapidly, 
feels more intensely and acts more quickly. He may 
suffer more and enjoy more than one not so highly 
developed. Proper education regarding tjbe laws of 
life and mediumship places in the hands of the me- 
dium the ability to avoid suffering and enjoy more 
fully the pleasures of life. 

Mediums need the education of our schools, and 
should inform themselves regarding topics of general 
interest of the day. 

There are many uneducated mediums who do excel- 
lent work, though they may be ignorant of the laws 
governing mediumship. If they were to become dili- 
gent students of the laws governing psychic phenom- 
ena, and acquire a general understanding of the truths 
of Spiritual Science, they would become more compe- 
tent to co-operate with their spirit helpers and their 



14 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

work would become still more satisfactory. Through 
this education their powers would be increased. 

Mediumship is a natural faculty and is governed by 
natural law. All mediums should thoroughly acquaint 
themselves with the operation of these laws, thereby 
learning how to conserve their forces, how properly to 
exercise their powers and reap the great reward of 
good health and a clear and happy mind, while their 
work is being crowned with success. 

The better one is educated in various lines, provid- 
ing such education does not bias the mind or pervert 
the reasoning faculties, the better will be his me- 
diumship; therefore, every medium should obtain an 
education if possible. The Morris Pratt Institute, of 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, is an excellent Spiritualist 
school, and is now open to students who are seeking a 
liberal religiously unbiased education, and who wish 
to prepare themselves for public work in the move- 
ment of Modern Spiritualism. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 15 

CHAPTER II. 

The Study of Mediumship. 

The home circle is one of the best places to investi- 
gate, study, and learn the philosophy of Spiritualism 
and the laws governing mediumship. 

Suspicion of each other is not so prevalent as in the 
public circle where a fee is paid for a medium's ser- 
vices. Suspicion and mistrust is poison to sensitive 
mediums and is not only painful to them, but destroys 
conditions and retards the good results that might 
occur without them. 

The seance room is not the only place to study Spir- 
itualism and develop mediumship. The investigator, 
as well as the would-be medium, should study its liter- 
ature, attend lectures upon the subject, learn from 
teachers who have had wide experience in the work, 
and become familiar with the workings of its organiza- 
tion. When fully equipped with the teachings of its 
philosophy, the phenomena of the seance, etc., he will 
be much better prepared to respond to the inspiration 
of the wise and good spirits who may wish to use his 
organism as a medium. 

No one should ever give up his individuality to an- 
other, be that one in the mortal form, or a spirit dis- 
embodied. Wise and good spirits do not require it; 
they act only as advisers and teachers, and instruct 
the medium to use his own judgment in every instance 
after receiving their advice. 

In sitting for spirit manifestations, the medium 
must comply with the laws governing mediumship 
and yield to the spirit guides for the time being, but 
when the seance is over he should control himself until 
he is ready to communicate with the spirit-friends 



16 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

again. He should not keep the door open or even un- 
locked at all times, but should have a time and place 
for the seances and confine himself to them. In this 
way he will develop a healthy mediumship and a 
stronger individuality. 

If the spirit should have something of great impor- 
tance to communicate between the hours set apart for 
the circles, he would soon learn to knock at the closed 
door and it would be optional with the medium 
whether he let him in or not. 

In reading and studying Modern Spiritualism, Psy- 
chic Science and Mediumship, the latent powers of 
mediumistic persons are stimulated and often brought 
into activity. This constitutes an important part of 
one's mediumistic development which is as essential 
and as valuable as the assistance received from sitting 
in circles. 

The good people of all the world believe in, look 
forward to, and prayerfully hope for a higher civiliza- 
tion of mankind; when the human race will have be- 
come so perfectly developed that wisdom, harmony 
and truth shall reign supreme, abiding with all men. 

In an enlightened mediumship rests this hope of the 
world. 

Mediumship Governed by Lav,^s of Both Worlds. 

The more thorough knowledge one has of spirit 
mediumship and the laws governing it, the better un- 
derstanding one will have of Modern Spiritualism. 
The facts revealed through mediumship explain and 
make clear the truths of Spiritualism. Modern Spirit- 
ualism is the philosophy of life in this sphere — and in 
the spirit realms. 

Mediumship is the key that unlocks the mysteries of 
life. It reveals the truths of Modern Spiritualism and 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 17 

makes them clear to the understanding. Modern Spir- 
ituaHsm embraces all in life and proves that life itself 
continues after the change called death. This being 
true, it may be clearly seen that it is the most stu- 
pendous and important fact that has ever reached the 
consciousness of man upon this earthly plane of life, 
and naturally causes him to be filled with reverence, 
wonder and thankfulness. As he learns of it, he be- 
comes inspired with the spirit of reverence for the 
Great First Cause that produced it all. 

Matter or Spirit. 

''We cannot affirm that the primordial, substantial 
entity of being is matter or spirit, or both. We can 
follow neither of them to their ultimate or primary 
conditions." ( Loveland. ) 

Matter, force and spirit form a great and wonderful 
trinity which controls all phenomena that our senses 
are capable of grasping. Matter is visible, force and 
spirit are invisible. This trinity of substances in a 
unity of manifestation are all mysteries to us, and the 
more we study them, the more we become imbued with 
the spirit of reverence for the Great Cause of it all. 
Man in the physical body is a threefold being. He is a 
combination of matter or substance, force or energy, 
intelligent mind or spirit. 

Law Governs All. 

Everything in nature, whether visible or invisible, is 
at all times governed by law ; and the results of the ac- 
tion of these laws reveal method and purpose in their 
manifestation. The mode of action of all law is the 
same at all times, when the same conditions prevail. 
Chemistry proves this true. 



18 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

In the investigation of the phenomena of Spirit- 
ualism we should keep in mind the fact that 
there is no other way in this life to learn of the spirit 
world excepting through spirit mediumship. All that 
is known of life after so-called death, has come to 
the world through spirit mediumship. There is no 
other class of phenomena that can give the least parti- 
cle of light upon the subject. There are but two ways 
open to learn of a future life; the one to investigate 
spirit phenomena given through mediumship, and the 
other to die and go to that life where one can ex- 
perience it. 

We could get no light upon the subject by studying 
the phenomena of the northern lights or the science of 
navigation. One must study the laws governing, and 
the manifestations produced in, the class of phenomena 
belonging to the subject that he seeks to investigate. 
Therefore, in seeking to solve the mystery of spirit 
communion and the cause producing spirit phenomena, 
one must study them rather than to take up the study 
of theology or of the ''origin of man," though a knowl- 
edge of the latter might be a great aid. It would not 
solve the question of the origin of spirit phenomena, 
and all one could know about ancient theology would 
only obstruct his pathway in his search for the cause 
producing the phenomena of the seance room. 

An understanding of the laws of chemistry is very 
helpful in the study of the phenomena of Spiritualism 
and mediumship; and a knowledge of other sciences 
may be of assistance; but spirit phenomena must be 
studied before one will be able to know anything about 
them. Great men, who are no doubt wise upon cer- 
tain scientific subjects, have tried to explain the phe- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 19 

nomena of Modern Spiritualism by what they know 
about physical science; and in many cases their con- 
clusions have been erroneous, and their assumptions 
disastrous to their integrity, and not at all flattering to 
their wisdom. 

The only place to study the phenomena of Modern 
Spiritualism is the place where it occurs ; and the only 
proper way to investigate the subject is to witness the 
phenomena, study the laws governing them, weigh and 
measure every manifestation in the balance scales of 
reason controlled by an unbiased mind. Thorough- 
ness of purpose, well timed carefulness tempered with 
sincerity, energy, and perseverence, are essentials to 
success in this vast field of research ; and he who en- 
ters it with less than these is not assured of great suc- 
cess. 

People even of this day have inherited, or have had 
instilled into them, the superstitious ideas of super- 
naturalism. This in a great measure disqualifies them 
to enter the field of the scientific investigation of the 
phenomena of Spiritualism. Preconceived opinions 
should never bar one from accepting ^ truth when 
proven, even if it does conflict with his earlier ac- 
cepted opinions. 

It is said that no good thing is secured without 
efi^ort; this applies in the investigation of spirit phe- 
nomena. One's mind must be prepared and earnest 
effort put forth if one would receive the best results. 
The development of a clean and pure mind, liberal 
ideas, moral culture and intellectual ability, as well as 
high and holy aspirations are essential to the acquisi- 
tion of the best in Spiritualism. None have yet re- 
ceived the best in mediumship; no one has yet made 



/ 



20 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

the best conditions to receive it. We have only plucked 
here and there a blossom from its sacred flower gar- 
den, and the aroma of those few blossoms has intoxi- 
cated us with its beautiful fragrance. We must know 
the laws governing mediumship and make the neces- 
sary conditions if we would enjoy these heavenly 
blessings. 

Facts to be Considered in the Development of 
Mediumship. 

In developing one's mediumship, it is essential that 
something of the necessary conditions for its unfold- 
ment be understood by the medium, or by some one of 
the members of the circle. 

No fixed or infallible rule can be given for the de- 
velopment of all mediums, as their individualities dif- 
fer. The medium, the sitters, and the spirits in charge, 
must take into consideration the state of physical 
health, temperament, disposition, tastes, aspirations, 
etc., as well as the earthly environments of each me- 
dium and govern themselves accordingly. 

Conditions Required. 

The best conditions to bring to a seance for spirit 
manifestations is a happy frame of mind and a har- 
monious body. All thoughts of business and strife 
should be left behind. The members should enter the 
seance room with prayerful hearts, aspirations for the 
good, the beautiful and the true ; and with the under- 
standing that it is the entrance to the most sacred 
place, where perchance the angels of heaven may be 
present and communicate with them. Such may be 
the truth, yet how few realize it. 

To be a good spirit-medium one should live a good 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 21 

life. The better one lives the more spiritual one be- 
comes, and the more spiritual will be the manifesta- 
tions received. 

How much we owe to the spirit friends who have 
always been so faithful to their mediums, even though 
mediums have at times neglected to fulfil the wishes 
of their faithful spirit teachers. 

Spirit phenomena of whatever phase or class, are 
natural phenomena. There are no miracles. All mani- 
festations our senses are capable of grasping are pro- 
duced through the laws of nature and are consequently 
natural phenomena. Law, no doubt, rules in every 
sphere of conscious life. 

May it always be remembered that spirit friends are 
people who once lived in this world and have passed 
to the higher life; that they are not gods, knowing 
everything, but that they sometimes make mistakes, 
though their knowledge far transcends ours. Let us 
treat them as one just man should treat another, trust- 
ing them always unless they should prove untrust- 
worthy, being very careful not to condemn or mis- 
judge without ample and unquestionable proof against 
them. / 

Communications Not Infallible. 

Mediums are liable to err in judgment. When we 
consider the fact that they are dealing with forces 
with which the world is unfamiliar, and that these 
forces are operating upon a dififerent plane of life, we 
could not reasonably expect infallibility on the part of 
the medium or the spirit operator. Therefore we 
should receive each message or manifestation and 
judge it on its merits alone, condemning neither the 
medium nor the communicating spirit for any errors 



22 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

that may occur, yet always seeking to learn the reasons 
for any discrepancy or mistake. Great mistakes are 
made in this life, and we are much better acquainted 
with needed conditions here than we are with those of 
the spirit-world. Mathematics is a science, but man in 
the mortal with this infallible guide to direct him, 
makes grievous mistakes. 

One of the first things needful for mediums and in- 
vestigators to learn is that spirits out of the body, like 
those in the flesh, are not infallible; and mediums 
should not be blamed for that over which they have 
no jurisdiction or control. _ 

How Spirits Control Mediums. 

Mental mediums are influenced and controlled by 
their spirit helpers and guides through the same law 
that a hypnotic subject is influenced or controlled by 
a hypnotist in the mortal form, though as a rule the 
spirit knows a great deal more about the law than the 
mortal hypnotist ever dreamed of knowing. 

A spirit's experience in passing into the spirit world 
is valuable ; his spiritual perceptions become awakened, 
he has facilities for learning certain laws and condi- 
tions pertaining to the subject, which we poor mortals 
have not the faculties to comprehend. Therefore, it 
is folly to attempt to measure a spirit's psychic power 
by the little that is known by mortals regarding psy- 
chology, hypnotism, mesmerism and kindred subjects, 
or to condemn their practice as dangerous. The evi- 
dence is everywhere to be seen that such practice by 
spirits is wholesome and helpful in every way. 

Every mental medium is a psychic, and every psy- 
chic is a medium. Every hypnotic subject is a mental 
medium, and every mental medium is a hypnotic sub- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 23 

ject. Every person is a battery or dynamo, generat- 
ing out of nature's vast reservoir a portion of the mag- 
netic forces or electric powers which is converted into 
psychic force and animal magnetism. This magnetism 
being permeated with the vital forces of the medium 
is used through the will power of its generator in the 
movement of his body, in thinking, speaking, etc. It 
is acted upon also by the will of the spirit operator 
who uses it to produce the phenomena of the seance 
room, the spirit acting through the mind, nerves, and 
muscles of the medium who generates it. Emma Rood 
Tuttle, the Spiritualist poet of Ohio, beautifully illus- 
trates the vastness of this force in the following lines : 
''An atmosphere more sublimate than air 
Penetrates all matter, be it here or there ; 
No finite power its wrappings can disperse 
For its thin billows lave the universe ; 
Each portion linking to all other parts. 
Whether stars, blossoms, or responding hearts." 

Vibratory Laws Governing Mediumship. 

The phenomena of light, heat, and electricity are 
produced through the different rates of etheric vibra- 
tion and may be discerned by the physical senses. 
There is a much more refined ether — or perhaps it is 
a portion of the one great ether — which responds to 
thought; and over this great ocean of vibrant ether, 
thought travels at a rapidity outdistancing the mighty 
speed of the light from the sun; and wherever a 
thought wave comes in touch with a brain that is at- 
tuned to its rate or velocity of vibration, there and 
then it MUST record itself. This is done through the 
same law that the sound from the piano key vibrates 



24 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

the string of the violin when it is attuned to the same 
rate of sound vibration. 

It is through this law of vibration, carried into the 
mental and spiritual realm of life, that telepathy and 
spirit communion are accomplished. Mediumistic 
phenomena are not of the realm of miracle, but are 
natural phenomena, and this is one of the great truths 
that spirits through modern mediumship have re- 
vealed to the world. 

Personally, the author has been hypnotized by both 
mortal and spirit hypnotists — by the latter thousands 
of times, and never to his detriment, but always to his 
betterment in physical health, mental growth, and spir- 
itual development. After thirty years of almost daily 
experience in the matter, he feels sufficiently qualified 
and should be entitled to testify to its blessings and 
helpfulness against those who condemn its practice 
and seek to destroy Spiritualism by their worthless 
testimony in the matter. 

Some of these pride themselves upon the fact, and 
openly boast that they were never mesmerised, hypno- 
tized, or controlled by man or spirit. Whose testi- 
mony is the more valuable? that of one who has had 
experience or of one who has not? It is left to the 
reader to judge. j 

Mediumistic Development Explained."^ 

The forces of the medium are subjective and may 
be, through practice, directed to a greater or less de- 
gree, by his own will. 

As the medium learns how to become passive to the 
will of his spirit assistants, his development, to the 

*See reference to ''Science of Spirit Communion," page 
137. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 25 

degree that he is able to be directed by them, is 
reached. Such development consists, therefore, in 
part, in a knowledge of the laws governing and forces 
employed, as well as how to apply them. Education 
of the medium along this and other lines constitutes 
the true mediumistic development. The spirit guides 
may also need to develop their psychic powers and 
learn their lessons, so as to become versed in the pro- 
cesses of spirit manifestation and communication. It 
is as necessary for them as for the mediums. Often 
the development and education is at the same time 
being acquired by those in spirit life as by those on 
the mortal plane. 

When a medium is going under control, for the first 
fevv^ times at least, there is a twitching of muscles, his 
heart beats rapidly, his chest heaves, while his breath 
becomes more rapid and more labored. While this is 
going on the blood gathers to the brain and the me- 
dium becomes more sensitive to his surroundings. 
Sounds are greatly multiplied; everything is intensi- 
fied; his imaginative qualities increase; in short the 
rate of the medium's physical, mental and spiritual 
vibrations are increased in a great degree. This great 
school of the Spiritual Philosophy teaches; that be- 
ginning with the vibration of the physical, then enter- 
ing the mental, then the spiritual realms, the vibrations 
increase very rapidly every step of the way; that our 
spirit friends live in apparently an infinitely higher 
vibration of substance, mind and spirit than we do. 
Hence, in order to communicate with them we must 
function on a higher plane, and they must come down 
from their more rapid plane of vibration to the highest 
plane the medium is able to reach. When the medium 
and the spirit are able to function on the same plane 

/ 



26 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

of vibration they can communicate much more easily 
than we can communicate with one another, because 
one feels what the other feels, and each is impressed 
with the other's thoughts. 

This may be illustrated upon the physical side of 
life as follows: Take a number of violins, attune 
them to the same rate of vibration, and they will all 
respond when one is played upon. If they are not at- 
tuned alike, when one is played upon there is no re- 
sponse from the others; so it is with mediumship; no 
two mortals are functioning upon the same plane of 
vibration at all times, which is true of the spirits. In 
fact, one in the mortal is not at all times functioning 
upon the same plane of vibration, but when two minds, 
both in the m.ortal, or both in the spirit w^orld, or one in 
the mortal and one in the spirit world, occupy the same 
sphere of mental vibration, they may know each 
other's thoughts ; they must know them ; and they may 
communicate with each other, mind responding to 
mind, spirit to spirit, as the vibration of sound pro- 
duced upon the piano responds to the violin, and the 
violin responds to the piano, when both are attuned 
alike. ^ 

Thus it is that spirits communicate with us through 
the mental phases of mediumship. It is thus that the 
phenomena of telepathy occurring between two peo- 
ple in the mortal form is accomplished. 

Heat, light, electricity, different colors, etc., are but 
the results of different rates of vibratory action, and 
everything our consciousness is able to grasp is pro- 
duced by its own necessary rate of vibration. 

Independent spirit voices, music, etc., must be pro- 
duced by sound vibration, else they could not occur. 
The vibration of atoms produce men and spirits. Vi- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 27 

bration of ether produces spirit-lights. The sweet 
odors sometimes brought to our seances are produced 
through the laws of vibration. 

Our mental mediums, trance, inspirational, impres- 
sional, etc., are, through sitting for the purpose, devel- 
oped to ascend into the higher vibrations ; and the 
spirit operator, by repeated effort, learns to lower his 
vibrations until both are in the same sphere or condi- 
tions of vibratory action; when this is accomplished, 
the phenomena occur. It is only necessary to pro- 
duce these several conditions of vibration, to produce 
the different phases of spirit manifestations. Thus, 
spirit phenomena are shown to be natural phenomena 
produced through natural law.^ 

Is Mediumship Dangerous? 

The proper development and practice of medium- 
ship is the greatest renovator of the human system 
and health-giving power known to the human race; 
it has often saved people from the grave when every 
other known remedy had failed. 

There has been a great cry and much ado over the 
subject of 'The Dangers of Mediumship.'' 'The Dan- 
gers of Psychism,'' ''Obsession,'' etc., coming mostly 
from the opponents of Spiritualism. The dangers 
have been enlarged and multiplied until many partially 
developed mediums have become frightened and 
ceased to continue their sittings for development. 

It is true that nearly everything of great value be- 
comes dangerous when improperly used. This is true 
of water, fire, electricity, gas — yet no one thinks of 
discarding them because they are dangerous. The 
mental faculties, when improperly used, or used to ex- 
cess, are as dangerous as dynamite, causing all sorts of 



28 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

disease, both physical and mental; yet no one advo- 
cates the cessation of their use. 

Through mediumship we are taught the Spiritual 
Philosophy which includes Psychic Science, or the 
science of the soul. By understanding it we learn how 
to avoid any dangers that might otherwise overtake 
us. 

After many years of experience as a medium, hav- 
ing seen nearly every phase of mediumship and ex- 
perienced it, the author feels qualified to express an 
opinion, and gladly states that the proper development 
of mediumship is exactly what removes the dangers. 
The only danger lies in not understanding the laws 
governing these powers. In the proper development 
of mediumship, the laws are made clear, the dangers 
pointed out, intelligent bands of spirits organized who 
take charge of the mediums and thus they are placed 
upon the rock of safety; w^hereas, without the devel- 
opment of these powers, one who is mediumistic is 
always in a state of jeopardy even though he may not 
know that he is a medium. 

One who is a medium to any considerable degree, 
whether acquainted with the fact or not, is subject to 
influences from the mundane side of life, and conse- 
quently is not safe until he learns the laws governing 
this faculty, develops it and cultivates the will power 
to resist anything objectionable. Sensitive and me- 
diumistic people do strange things at times and they 
themselves are sometimes puzzled to understand why 
they do them. The true Spiritual Philosophy solves 
this problem. 

In developing mediumship properly one will learn 
where any danger lies. He may develop a strong in- 
dividuality and learn how to overcome or avoid such 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 29 

danger; whereas, without such development, though 
unaware of the fact that he possesses mediumship, he 
is left to the mercy of circumstances. The world is 
full of human wrecks who might have been saved 
from their sad condition had they known of the spir- 
itual faculties which they possessed, and had they 
developed them under the proper teachings of Modern 
Spiritualism. Every person may be to some degree 
mediumistic, and the greater the degree the more need 
of its development. It is dangerous to possess med- 
iumship in any considerable degree and remain in 
ignorance of the fact. The only safety lies in its 
development. 

During the many fruitful years of our labors as 
spirit-mediums, we have visited most of the states of 
the Union, meeting many public mediums and mak- 
ing the acquaintance of hundreds of private me- 
diums, and thousands of Spiritualists ; among them 
all, not a dozen persons were supposed to be 
obsessed. After carefully weighing the testimony 
regarding these so-called ''obsessed" persons, we are 
frank to say that we are thoroughly convinced that 
not one of them was obsessed ; not one of these cases 
but could be easily and satisfactorily explained as 
having been caused by ill health, physical degen- 
eracy, insanity, mental weakness, erroneous sug- 
gestions, etc. 

The author does not believe in obsession, providing 
the term means permanent control of a mediumistic 
person until that person is ruined mentally, morally, 
and physically, as some of the Theosophic opponents 
of Spiritualism teach. 

He does believe that temporary possession of a me- 
diumistic person by undeveloped spirits may some- 

3 



30 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

times occur. He does not believe that any person who 
possesses a healthy body and a healthy mind can be ob- 
sessed. No ill effects are ever experienced from the 
proper or legitimate use of mediumship. When unde- 
sirable spirits manifest through a medium no one 
should become alarmed in the least. There is nothing 
to cause alarm. They are usually brought to the me- 
dium to be helped and the medium as well as the sit- 
ters should give them welcome, speaking kindly to 
them and thus awaken the spirit of goodness within 
them that they may become good, and perhaps they 
may become spiritually unfolded, as has often been the 
case, making good guides and helpers for mediums. 

Every medium should make a thorough study of the 
magnetic, electric, and spiritual forces, the methods 
employed by spirits, and the laws governing medium- 
ship; thus learning, among other truths they reveal, 
how to generate the forces and how to conserve them. 

Mediumship and Insanity. 

Much has been said by the opponents of Spiritualism 
regarding the ''Dangers of Mediumship," their claims 
being that its practice leads to insanity and other ills. 
In reply to such claims I will say : Instead of the prac- 
tice of mediumship's causing insanity, the proper use 
of it is a preventative. It has cured many who were 
insane, and saved many more from becoming so. We 
have good reasons for believing that mental de- 
rangement is invariably caused by some physical de- 
fect, which may have been induced by extreme mental 
action, and that mediumship is the greatest reorgan- 
izer and regenerator of the physical forces known to- 
day. 

It was through its regenerative powers that Jesus, 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 31 

Peter, and the other apostles cured their patients, and 
this great truth is being demonstrated today through 
Modern Mediumship. The mind may build up or tear 
down the body. Right thinking generates health vi- 
brations; wrong thinking creates inharmonious vibra- 
tions resulting in sickness, etc., and when the body is 
in perfect equipoise the mind is right and the mani- 
festation of the spirit within the body is a sane one. 
But when the body becomes diseased or out of equi- 
poise the spirit is not able to manifest itself properly 
and the results are what is denominated insanity. 

The mind may be called deranged because one has a 
belief in some ridiculous or impossible thing, when the 
truth is the mind is acting under the influence of its 
environment. 

Lack of mental development may retard the rea- 
soning powers, but erroneous reasoning may usually 
be traced to either the derangement of the physical 
brain, or the lack of capacity of that organ which one's 
spirit is trying to use. No one can be insane when the 
brain is in perfect order. 

Since mediumship is a natural faculty, and the 
proper use of it places the physical organism in a nor- 
mal condition, good health is the natural result. 

The proper development of mediumship should be 
prayerfully sought and sacredly cherished when at- 
tained. 

The Power of Mental Suggestion. 

To show the power and influence of a subtle sugges- 
tion, we will relate an incident that speaks for itself. 

Some years ago, while working as missionary of the 
National Spiritualist Association of the United States, 
and stopping with a gentleman of Convoy, Ohio, he 



32 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

related the following incident, stating that the persons 
mentioned in the narrative were all well known to him. 
We will not give the names of these persons, but 
will use the initial C. to designate the lady. The 
story runs as follows: Mrs. C, the widow of one 
of the leading business men of a nearby town, 
on awakening from sleep one morning missed her 
false teeth ; and after careful search could not find 
them, so concluded she had swallowed them in her 
sleep. She began to suffer pain in her stomach. 
The pain continued to increase until it became so 
excruciating that she felt she could stand it no 
longer. She decided she would go to a Columbus 
hospital, have an operation, and get the teeth 
out of her stomach. A horse and buggy was 
brought out and she was taken to the depot of a neigh- 
boring village. 

After she was gone the teeth were found and a ser- 
vant procured a neighbor's horse and buggy and 
started after them in the hope of overtaking them. On 
his arrival at the village depot, the train had gone and 
she was on her way to Columbus. The servant gave 
up the chase and went up town. He told a friend of 
the circumstance and was advised to telegraph them 
that the teeth were found. This was done, and the 
telegram reached the lady at the hospital just as. the 
doctors were about to perform the operation. The 
lady's pain ceased and she returned home without sub- 
mitting to the operation, feeling much better, though 
she was greatly humiliated. / 

The foregoing is not an isolated case of the power 
of suggestion. The world is full of similar ones, 
though they are seldom recorded. 

We have related these facts to show what influence 



I 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 33 

a suggestion may have on one in his or her normal 
state, and would say: It is a well known fact that 
mediums when under influence are far more suscepti- 
ble to suggestion than when in the normal state, and 
it is important that mediums and members of the circle 
should understand these facts. 

Mental Mediums Subjects of Suggestion. 

Every mental medium when placing himself in a 
condition to be hypnotized by his spirit helpers, be- 
comes subject to suggestion; therefore, it is detri- 
mental to the medium's development and to the results 
of the seances to suggest that there are, or may be, 
''evil spirits'' present; such suggestion often results in 
the medium's getting the idea that he is obsessed, and 
when this idea becomes a conviction his mediumship is 
ruined. \ 

When a medium gets his mind full of Hudson's ^ 
theory of the ''Subconscious Mind," and is filled with 
fear of "Evil Spirits," he had better cease trying to 
develop his mediumship. A belief in either of these 
theories is almost sure destruction to his development. 
_A^_^erson seeking development of mediumistic 
powers, should have perfect faith and place implicit 
trust in his spirit helpers ; he should become optimistic, 
looking upon the bright side of life; he should culti- 
vate cheerfulness and contentment. He should also 
oiUivate perseverance, precision, punctuality, and 
^ther characteristics necessary to success, as explained 
in another chapter. 

Danger of Misleading Mediums by Suggestion. 

It is always detrimental to the results to urge a 
spirit to give his name, or to insist upon his giving 
some personal test. It is much better to give assur- 



34 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

ance that one is desirous of proving the truth of spirit 
communion, or of hearing from the loved ones in 
spirit life ; or a suggestion that sometime when condi- 
tions will permit, it would be a great satisfaction to re- 
ceive such proof, or such a message, and then bide the 
time. If this is fully carried out the members of the 
circle will receive more proof, and more accurate mes- 
sages than if its members make positive demands 
upon the spirit. In continually asking for names and 
tests, one disturbs the passivity of the medium's mind 
and to a greater or less extent causes it to act, and 
through this activity of the medium's mind, the spirit 
is sometimes — especially with an undeveloped medium 
— hampered in his effort to give the test demanded. 
It is therefore only proper to ask that tests — not a 
certain one — be given whenever the spirit thinks best 
or conditions will permit. The sitters should do every- 
thing in their power to make the medium feel that 
they have every confidence in him, and the medium 
should do everything in his power to retain that confi- 
dence by trying to make his tests satisfactory to the '' 
sitter. 

Members of the circle should be very careful not to 
mislead the medium by suggestion. He being a hyp- 
notic subject may be misled as every student of psy- 
chology ought to know. Some people who hold high 
positions in the educational world seem when dealing 
with mediums to be entirely ignorant of the fact that 
every hypnotic subject when in the superior state is 
influenced by suggestions, mental impressions, 
thoughts expressed or unexpressed. The suggestions 
of the sitters when strongly willed may sometimes take 
precedence over the suggestions of the spirit, especially 
when the medium is not well developed and, though 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 35 

he be entirely honest, he may unconsciously give the 
thought of the positive sitter, thinking he is giving the 
mental impressions received from the spirit. 
Evil Spirits. 

The thought of the possible presence of evil spirits 
in the seance room is bad. The suggestion that there 
may be an evil spirit manifesting or trying to manifest 
is very injurious to good results; and the suggestion — 
whether self imposed, or from another — that the me- 
dium has an evil spirit obsessing him, means absolute 
ruin to his mediumship, providing he believes in the 
horrible doctrine of obsession and has not learned the 
beautiful and true lesson of Modern Spiritualism. So- 
called ''evil spirits" are only undeveloped spirits, 
and may through the medium's own influence and ef- 
forts, and with the assistance of wise and noble spirits, 
become useful, loyal, faithful, and loving ministering 
angels, bringing many blessings to the mediums, mem- 
bers of the seances, and others. 

Good and wholesome thoughts should dominate the | 
minds of all who come into the presence of a m.edium. 

Auto-Suggestion, or Self-Suggestion. 

One may, or may not receive a suggestion while 
av/ake; it lies with himself to do as he pleases about 
it ; but when in the hypnotic state he is free to receive 
it and hardly in a condition to reject it, unless it is a 
suggestion to do something against his principles, or 
something that would involve his character, or some- 
thing against his wishes when in the normal state. 

A well grounded suggestion made by one's self, to- 
gether with an earnest prayer for spirit assistance, has 
healed many a sick person. A suggestion by another 
may be as great in its power if received by the patient. 



36 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

No suggestion is successful without the co-operation 
of the subject or his spirit helpers. Many diseases are 
overcome by the power of suggestion and auto sugges- 
tion. Bad habits such as the use of morphine, tobacco, 
liquor, etc., are cured by its power. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 37 

CHAPTER III. 

Crude Manifestations — Their Significance 
and Value. 

''Some secret truths from learned pride concealed, 
To maids and children are revealed. 
What, though, no credit doubting wits may give, 
The fair and innocent shall still receive." 

—Pope. 

One of the necessary requisites for good medium- 
ship is good health, and this is often almost miracu- 
lously given to the medium during the process of de- 
velopment, the medium being strangely manipulated. / 

Every spirit manifestation occurring in a properly 
organized developing circle has a purpose, a signfi- 
cance, and a value. The seeming crude manifesta- 
tions, such as muscular and nervous movements, spas- 
modic breathing, self -manipulation, extreme exercise, 
imitating the death scene experienced by some one 
who has passed to spirit life, speaking in tongues, pro- 
ducing sounds that appear to be only giberish or jar- 
gon, and many more strange actions of the medium are 
all for a good purpose. It is partly through these 
peculiar methods that the spirit gains control of the 
medium's nerves, muscles, mind, and spirit, magnetiz- 
ing the body and equalizing the forces, causing the 
organs to perform their several functions properly. 
By continuing such seances the poisons are eliminated 
from the medium's system and the spirit improves in 
his ability to control him. I have never known of a 
medium's receiving the slightest injury or evil effects 
from these manifestations. 

Mrs. Sprague and the author both passed through 



V 



38 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

many such experiences and through them she was 
saved from the grave, and physical development was 
given her that was wonderful. She weighed but one 
hundred and sixteen pounds and her case was almost 
hopeless ; she was cured and became a strong woman, 
weighing one hundred and eighty-six pounds, and de- 
veloped a lovely mediumship which she ha,s exercised 
in the seance room, from the public rostrum, and in 
public work almost constantly for thirty years, visit- 
ing most of the states in this great Union. 

Certain persons with an insane desire to crush out 
Spiritualism are pointing to crude manifestations rais- 
ing the cry of ''Evil Spirits," ''obsession," etc., and 
teaching that mediumship is abnormal, ruinous to 
health, and demoralizing in its effects. This is posi- 
tively untrue. Mediums are made healthy physically, 
mentally, morally and spiritually by the proper prac- 
tice of mediumship, and they also heal thousands of 
others by the use of this divine gift. The very term, 
"mediumship" is synonomous with the words "physi- 
cal health," "mental vigor," "moral strength," and 
"spiritual culture," with all who htow and understand 
its truth ; and it is a shame that ignorance, superstition, 
bigotry and the selfish interests of some people and 
certain cults should insist upon viciously misrepresent- 
ing and condemning it. 

If crude, undeveloped, and seemingly evil-disposed 
spirits manifest, no one should be alarmed; they 
should be treated kindly, words of encouragement and 
helpfulness should be spoken to them. They should 
never be driven away, but we should try to help them. 
Should messages be given that prove untrue do not 
always attribute them to lying spirits or fraudulent 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 39 

mediums, because we have not yet mastered the 
methods of communication, and errors may occur 
when no one is to blame. 

If mediums are strongly exercised, become rigid, go 
into contortions or enact the death scene by imperson- 
ating some one who has died, let no one become 
alarmed, for these manifestations are great helps in 
one's mediumistic development; in fact, in some cases 
they are necessary to such development. The spirits 
operate upon the muscles, the nerves, and the heart 
action is lowered and raised at the will of the spirit. 
Mediums are made to dance and otherwise exercise 
while their bodies are being magnetized, and through 
this peculiar process the poisons are eliminated from 
their systems through perspiration and emanations of 
the body; in short, every manifestation through a 
medium has an object and an important significance. 
The more Spiritualists become acquainted with the 
purpose of each manifestation — crude or otherwise — 
the better and more rapid will be the medium's 
development and the more perfect and satisfactory 
will be the results. 

Crude manifestations will prove blessings in dis- 
guise to all who fear them if they will learn to submit 
to them freely and in the right spirit — the spirit of 
kindness, truthfulness, prayerfulness, and love of the / 
good. 

The suggestion of danger to the medium uttered or 
unexpressed is detrimental to results in the seance. In 
fact the only danger lies in the suggestion of trouble 
and the fear that something may happen to injure the 
medium. 

The sitters as well as the medium should have abso- 
lute confidence in the medium's guardian spirits. 



40 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

When something occurs that has a tendency to cause a 
suggestion of danger, the manager of the circle should 
give assurance that there is no danger. All should 
continue the singing to harmonize the conditions. 

Advice to Mediums. 

Mediums should always remember that in dealing 
with spirits they are dealing with people, men and 
women who have lived the life of this world as we are 
now living it. These people like ourselves, are not in- 
fallible in their judgment, though they have the oppor- 
tunity of knowing many things that we have not. ^ 

One should not trust a spirit in anything that is con- 
trary to his own good judgment, at least not where 
there is much depending; but one should trust a spirit 
who has proved himself good and true, as well as com- 
petent to advise, just the same as he would trust such 
a man in the mortal form. 

Wise spirits do not dictate to their mediums or seek 
to rule them in their own affairs. They simply advise 
and leave it to the medium to decide whether to ac- 
cept or reject their advice. In the author's experience 
he was advised by the spirits themselves to adopt this 
plan, which he did, but whenever he rejected their ad- 
vice, he was the loser ; and whenever he accepted it he 
succeeded in his undertakings. 

We were requested by them never to ask for advice 
upon any subject or question that we were perfectly 
competent to decide ourselves; but when we were in 
doubt what to do, or how to proceed in any matter, we 
were told to call upon them. This we have practiced 
all the years of our mediumistic work and in every in- 
stance it has worked well. 

One should never ask a spirit to do for him that 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 41 

which he can do for himself. He should let reason 
and good common sense rule in spirit-communion as in 
everything else, and always retain his own individ- 
uality when not desiring spirit control. 

No medium has the power to control spirits causing 
them to do his bidding. Spirits are not subject to 
the will of mediums. Mediums should not become 
slaves to spirits by submitting to their every whim or 
notion. Spirits and those dwelling in the mortal form 
should each retain his individuality, being considerate 
of each other's wishes, and working together for each 
other's good and the good of all. 

Mediumship a Partnership. 

During the thirty years of our development and 
work as mediums, we have never been used by the 
spirit friends contrary to our wishes. We have 
always been consulted by them in regard to the work 
and its management and our wishes have been re- 
spected. We have never been led to do things against 
our will, or without our full and free consent. 

In the beginning of our development we formed a 
partnership with the spirit friends with whom we ar- 
ranged our plans of work, certain parts of which were 
assigned to different members of our spirit band, and 
other duties fell to us. We then proceeded through 
co-operation to the task of our development and prep- 
aration for the work, and have ever continued to co- 
operate harmoniously and successfully in dispensing 
the gospel of Modern Spiritualism and demonstrating 
its truths to a spiritually starving world. 

In subjecting ourselves to the control of the spirit 
friends, we did so with the full understanding that 
they would care for and protect us against anything 



42 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

that might prove derogatory to our welfare; that our 
individuality should not become impaired, but that it 
should become strengthened and more fully developed. 

Sometimes when wishing to experiment with our 
mediumship, to ascertain what they could do through 
us, they would first ask our permission, and when it 
was granted they would give detailed instructions re- 
garding the conditions to be made in the circle and 
forewarn us of anything that might occur that would 
have a tendency to startle or frighten us. 

We were never misled, deceived, or injured, and 
never received a false communication or a word of 
unwholesome advice from our spirit friends. We 
were greatly benefited by the development and prac- 
tice of our mediumship. 

At times we overworked just as people in other 
fields of labor do, though we were advised and warned 
against doing so. The dear spirit friends exercised 
what to us seemed super-human powers on many oc- 
casions to keep us from breaking down under the 
strain of the great amount of work we were doing, 
and through our co-operative methods, we were able 
to accomplish much that could not have been accom- 
plished without their assistance. 

Night after night they worked over us while we 
were sleeping, bringing us vital forces and healing in- 
fluences, and when morning came our forces were 
recuperated and we were ready for our work again.* 
The spirit friends have always been honest, loving 
and kind in their dealings with us, never misrepresent- 
ing anything, never deceiving us in any way what- 

(*For further particulars of the great amount of work 
we accomplished, see "A Future Life Demonstrated," pp. 
337 to 340.) 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 43 

ever. They have fulfilled every promise and blessed 
us beyond the power of words to tell. We are indeed 
grateful to the faithful, loyal, loving members of our 
spirit band; we are truly thankful to them for their 
blessed guidance and great assistance in our labors for 
humanity. 

How to Form a Circle for Spirit Communion. 

A circle or sitting for spirit manifestations may con- 
tain two or more persons; some people say an odd 
number — three, five, seven, nine, or eleven — is prefer- 
able. However, we do not think the necessary num- 
ber can be authoritatively given. It made no diflfer- 
ence with us in our development how many or how 
few participated. If wt had a harmonious circle, 
large or small, we received good results. 

In the formation of a circle someone should be des- 
ignated as chairman and be given charge of the meet- 
ings, and he should carry out the wishes of the spirits, 
the medium, and the members of the circle. He should 
be the one to whom the sitters should address their 
questions, make suggestions, etc., that everything may 
be carried on in an orderly manner. A secretary 
should also be appointed, who should keep a record of 
each seance, recording the names of the members pres- 
ent, hours of opening and closing, the occurrences 
and manifestations, if any, at each sitting, any dis- 
turbance, good or poor conditions, etc. These records 
may be used as references, and will help make a his- 
tory of the medium's development. / 

Every seance should be opened with prayer, or witH 
music, vocal or instrumental, as the tendency of these 
are to concentrate the minds of the sitters, and har- 
monize the circle. Concentration of thought upon the ; 



44 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

purpose of the circle, mental prayers, and spiritual 
aspirations are always helpful. 

Spirit-control is at first imperfect; but through 
practice the spirit develops the medium's organism to 
greater receptivity and the control becomes more per- 
fect. This is a part of the development. If one of the 
sitters is strongly impressed to write, speak, sing, or 
dance, while in the circle, he should follow the impres- 
sion, and do as he is impressed to do ; though not to go 
beyond reason. Through such manifestations he may 
be led into a fuller unfoldment. 

The following code of signals has been adopted by 
Spiritualists in receiving communications through 
raps or table tippings : Three raps or three tips of the 
table signifies ''yes" ; one rap or tip of the table, *'no" ; 
and two raps or table tips, ''doubtful" or "don't know." 
In communicating through raps or table tippings, only 
questions that can be answered by yes or no should be 
asked. 

If an invisible force moves the table, or raps, it may 
be well to ask if the spirit controlling will respond to 
the calling of the alphabet. If three tips of the table 
or three raps occur, which would be an affirmative 
answer, let the chairman slowly call the alphabet, giv- 
ing the spirit time to rap or tip the table when each 
letter is spoken; and when the letter has thus been 
designated, let the chairman repeat the name of the 
letter and ask if it is correct. If the response is "yes," 
then let the secretary of the circle write down the let- 
ter and the chairman proceed in the same manner un- 
til the whole name or sentence is spelled. 

We know a case where a book of beautiful poems 
purporting to come from different well known poets, 
now in spirit life, was all given by this slow process. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 45 

Sometimes only one stanza would be given in a whole 
evening. It was real poetry, and was remarkably 
characteristic of the authors communicating. 

Writing paper, slate and pencils should be placed 
upon the table or kept near at hand; then if some 
member's hand is moved about or made to pound the 
table, let a pencil be placed in the hand, and if it does 
not write at first, be not discouraged. Some of our 
best mediums have pounded tables, broken pencils, 
smashed slates and scribbled over paper and slates at 
many circles before the spirits vvere able to control 
the hand well enough to write; but by persevering in 
their sittings, they became successful in that phase. 
Occasionally a medium is controlled to write in a very 
few sittings. 

Every medium possesses his or her own peculiar 
characteristics, temperament, etc., which must be con- 
sidered in forming and carrying on a circle. The 
medium and the spirit guides can decide as to the 
length of time necessary for sittings, how to seat the 
circle, and give advice needed in carrying on the 
seances. An undeveloped medium may receive help 
and profit by the instructions, advice and magnetic 
treatments of well developed mediums and their spirit 
bands. 

Let the circle be composed of a convenient number 
of persons who are interested and harmonious with 
one another, and who will take the trouble to be pres- 
ent at the meetings. It would be well for the sitters at 
first to meet as often as twice each week. The fre- 
quency of the meeting should depend upon the ability 
of the sitters to be present at each gathering, and 
upon the manner in which the medium is affected by 






46 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

the sittings. The good judgment of the medium and 
members, after considering the advice of the spirit 
guides, should decide all questions of this character. 

We held our sittings and circles every evening of 
the year for six successive years, and twice each week 
for two years more, and they did us both good. Some 
mediums at first do not draw to themselves sufficient 
vital forces to replenish what is expended in the prac- 
tice of their gifts; in such cases too frequent sittings 
may be detrimental to health. 

One should not sit in circles too often, or sit too 
long at one time, whether the sitting is for one's own 
development or for another's. In doing so vital forces 
may sometimes become depleted. Where circles are 
held but once, twice, or three times each week, it often 
assists the development for the medium to sit alone a 
half hour or more each day on which the circle is not 
held. In this way the spirit-friends may utilize the 
forces gathered at the regular circles. In the develop- 
ment of mediumship it is better if the medium is not 
burdened with cares ; yet it is necessary that one have 
duties to perform, and something to occupy the mind 
and exercise the body. 

Time for Seances. 

The best time for circles is when its members may 
be free from cares. 

It is better to have a room set apart for the seances, 
where it is convenient. The sitters should be prompt 
in taking their seats at the appointed hour for the 
seances, as the spirits may have prepared the condi- 
tions for the work and delays may be disastrous to 
the results. Promptness is essential to good results. 
The members should occupy the same seats each time 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 47 

unless it is thought advisable to make a change. Un- 
congenial persons should not sit in circles together, 
and certainly not side by side. 

Where the circle is not too large it is well to sit 
around a table, each sitter's hands resting upon it and 
touching the hands of those sitting each side, thus 
forming a complete circle of hands upon the table. 
No person's hands should touch together. If the cir- 
cle is too large, dispense with the table and form 
around the room, the members joining hands at first, 
until the battery is well formed and the medium under 
control. It is always well to ask permission of the 
spirit manifesting, before breaking the circle. 

Dark Circles Not for Mental Phases. 

No one should sit in the darkness while developing 
clairvoyance if he wishes to use this faculty in the 
light. We have met mediums who were developed to 
see clairvoyantly in a dark room, but could see nothing 
in the light. Darkness is not necessary for the devel- 
opment of mental mediumship. It is just as easy to 
develop clairvoyance and all other mental phases in 
the light as in the darkness, and mediumship that is 
developed in the light, may be practiced in the light. 
A soft light shaded with a blue paper makes a good 
condition. No medium should sit in darkness to de- 
velop mental phases. 

Diet. 

The members of the circle should partake of only 
light suppers, and the medium should eat sparingly, if 
at all, before entering the seance room. It is better 
for all, and the medium especially, to abstain from 
meat, though it may not be absolutely necessary. Ani- 



48 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

mal food develops the animal nature in man. Vegi- 
tarian animals are docile, not given to fierceness, fight- 
ing, etc. Carnivorous or meat-eating animals are 
savage, w^arlike, and vicious. This show^s the in- 
fluence of foods upon the brute creation. It is -far 
better for mediums — at least while undergoing 
development — to abstain from meat eating. Over- 
eating and over indulgence in any direction is a 
hindrance to mediumistic unfoldment. 

Baths. 

The medium as well as the sitters should take a 
bath and dress in clean clothes before entering the 
seance room. The body should be clean, the mind 
pure, the thoughts spiritual, and the time and place 
should be considered sacred. No evil thought should 
be present with anyone on such an occasion. The 
more perfect confidence and sympathy existing be- 
tween members and medium, also between members of 
the circle and spirit friends, the better will be the re- 
sults. 

After having held circles for some time, if no mani- 
festations occur, it may be well to change the sitters' 
places around the table ; and after many sittings with 
no results the circle should be reorganized, some mem- 
bers being left out or others added, thus changing the 
conditions. No one should become discouraged if 
months pass by without their receiving some manifes- 
tations. We know of one case where a medium sat in 
a circle twice a week for more than a year without 
even feeling the magnetic currents, and then one even- 
ing became thoroughly entranced, after which he de- 
veloped rapidly. Others have been entranced in their 
.first circle. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 49 

Every member, and the mediums especially, should 
obey the laws of health to the best of his or her ability. 
A healthy body and a healthy mind are prime requi- 
sites in developing the best mediumship. 

Where a circle is being held and a spirit is manifest- 
ing, the circle should never be broken without the con- 
sent of the spirit controlling; and if the spirits seems 
to have difficulty in manifesting, the members should 
sing, or something soft and low should be played upon 
the piano or other instrument. This helps to create a 
harmonious condition and contributes to the success of 
the seance. Above all, the members should not expect 
too much at first, but should enter into the work with 
the expectation and the determination of spending 
months and years if necessary in the seeking for and 
investigation of these great truths, being contented 
with little, and willing to bide the time when more 
shall be given. 

Mutual Confidence of Medium and Spirits 
Essential. 

One of the necessary requirements for good results 
in the development of mediumship is confidence on the 
part of both medium and spirit teacher. The medium 
should be honest, good and true in all his dealings with 
his spirit guides ; and the spirit should be the same 
with the medium, that mutual confidence may prevail. 

Magnetic Attraction. 

As there are magnetic attractions between certain 
people in the mortal form, so there are magnetic, elec- 
tric, and spiritual attractions existing between spirits 
and mortals. ''Like attracts like." This law becomes 
operative in the seance room. Harmonious magnetic 



50 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

conditions among the members of the circle, and be- 
tween them and the medium, attract harmonious and 
spiritually developed spirits, and form conditions for 
the best results. Each member should strive to be- 
come harmonious and happy within himself and thus 
become harmonious with all his associates. Harmony 
is the key-note to good results in the seance room. 

Should Children Sit in Circles? 

Children should not sit in circles too often, nor too 
long at one time. Parents and guardians should never 
compel children to sit in circles against their will ; nor 
should they refuse them the privilege when they de- 
sire to do so, unless that desire should become abnor- 
mal and work injury to the child physically, or inter- 
fere with his capacity to acquire lessons in school. 
This sometimes happens with a child who is over- 
worked in school. It is usually better for the child to 
wait until his school days are over before attempting 
to develop mediumship. 

Conditions Necessary for Good Results. 

A person possessing a strong positive will and seek- 
ing to ''expose'' the medium, or being antagonistic to 
the medium, may sometimes temporarily subvert the 
desire and purpose of the controlling spirit. This is 
liable to occur with a medium who is not well devel- 
oped. 

Seekers for truth should avoid being positive, exact- 
ing, arbitrary, or contentious when attending seances, 
or when receiving private readings, if they wish to 
receive good results. 

When seeking communication with the spirit friends 
one should be in a harmonious frame of mind, enter- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 51 

ing the seance room with the feeling that he may be 
about to meet his angel mother or other departed loved 
ones; that he is approaching the gateway of heaven. 
He should put away all craftiness and deception, never 
disguising himself or going in the night for fear of 
being seen, as did Saul on his visit to the woman of 
Endor. Sincerity of purpose, aspirations for the good 
and true, should be the motive inspiring every move- 
ment. Everyone should give our mediums the glad 
hand, the hand of loving kindness and protection. The 
foregoing conditions when fulfilled will insure good 
results. 

Would-be ''exposers" and other opponents of Spir- 
itualism should not be encouraged to attend seances. 
It is better to let them wait until they really desire to 
know the truth. . ^ -, 

Admitting an uncongenial person to a seance has 
sometimes changed the entire conditions, necessitating 
the readjustment of all previous arrangements of the 
circle and deferring the manifestations. 

A spirit manifesting should never be urged to give 
his name, or to answer at once any positive question. 
It is better to let the spirit take his time to do it, then 
the answer will probably be more fully and satisfac- 
torily given. 

A pleasant suggestion that it would be gratifying to 
receive the name of the spirit manifesting, or the an- 
swer to a certain question, sometime when conditions 
are favorable, is much better than to demand or urge 
it. The reason is plain: the former method leaves 
the medium in a passive condition, while the latter 
has a tendency to arouse his own mind to action which 
may become a barrier to the will of the spirit and 



52 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

prove detrimental, if not wholly disastrous to the 
manifestations. 

The conditions necessary for good results in a 
seance are so subtle that if one of the members is very 
tired, or suffering physical pain, or is mentally dis- 
tressed, angry, jealous, or harbors ill feelings toward 
any member present, it is detrimental to the success 
of the seance. 

It usually requires considerable perseverance on the 
part of the members of the circle to develop a medium, 
and sometimes many sittings are necessary before any 
manifestations occur. Occasionally a medium is de- 
veloped suddenly. In the latter case it will be learned 
that the spirits may have spent years in preparing him 
for the production of the phenomena, and sometimes 
this is done without the knowledge of the medium. 

No one on this side of life can realize the great 
amount of labor, the persistent effort, and the many 
years sometimes required on the part of the spirit- 
friends in removing the obstacles and overcoming ad- 
verse conditions in preparing the medium and bring- 
ing him into the work. Everyone should do his best 
to assist the spirit friends in making good conditions. 

There's no spot in this wide world to me that's so 
sweet 

As the place where the angels with earth's chil- 
dren meet; 

Where men talk with angels through powers they 
unfold 

And hearts beat with gladness while love fills the 
soul. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 



53 



CHAPTER IV. 
Different Phases or Mediumship. 

Strictly speaking, there are but two phases of spirit- 
mediumship; namely: mental and physical. 

Mental mediumship is that phase in which the spirit 
acts upon, or through the mentality of the medium. 

Physical mediumship is that phase in which the mag- 
netic aura and vital forces of the medium are used to 
produce phenomena of a physical nature, or through 
the use of physical things. 

Mental and physical mediumship is divided and sub- 
divided into a number of so-called phases which are 
denominated as follows : 



Mental Phases. 



Inspirational Speaking. 

Inspirational Writing. 

Inspirational Singing. 

Spiritual Healing, With- 
out Contact. 

Inspirational Painting. 

Thought Transference by 
Spirit Aid. 

Objective Clairvoyance. 

Subjective Clairvoyance. 

Objective Clairaudience. 

Subjective Clairaudience. 

Clairsentience. 

Unconscious Trance. 

Conscious Trance. 

Diagnosing Disease, Pa- 
tient Present. 

Diagnosing Disease, Pa- 
tient Absent. 



Speaking in Foreign Lan- 
guages and Unknown 
Tongues. 

Reading Character, Subject 
Present. 

Reading Character from 
Handwriting. 

Reading Character from 
Photograph. 

Reading Character from 
Sound of Voice, Whis- 
tle, Snap of Finger, etc. 

Improvising Poetry. 

Prophecy. 

Locating Minerals. 

Impressional Mediumship. 

Inspirational Music. 

Psychometry, Reading 
from Articles in Public 
or in Private. 



54 



SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP^ 



Physical Phases. 



Spirit Rappings. 

Writing by Planchette 
and other Devices. 

Independent Slate Writ- 
ing. 

Drawing Pictures in the 
Dark or When BHnd- 
foid. 

Independent Music — In- 
strumental. 

Trumpet Speaking. 

Independent Typewriting. 

Independent Telegraphy. 

Levitation. 

Dermo Psychography or 
Writing in Blood Let- 
ters on the skin. 

Spirit Photography. 
Moving Articles of 
Furniture Without 
Contact. 



Spirit Materialization. 
Spirit Etherialization. 
Production of Flowers. 
Producing of ''Apports." 
Passing of Matter 

Through Matter. 
Automatic Writing. 
Independent Spirit-Pic- 
ture Making. 
Magnetic and Spiritual 

Healing, by Contact. 
Transfiguration. 
Independent Voices in 

the Dark. 
Independent Voices in the 

Light. 
Changing the Weight of 

Material Bodies. 
Luminous Appearances of 

Crosses, Crescents, etc. 



There are other subdivisions of the two phases of 
mediumship, but most of them have been mentioned. 

Mental and Physical mediumship are usually mani- 
fested in the same medium, though one phase may 
appear in only a small degree while the other may be 
well developed. Strong physical mediumship is more 
rarely developed in mediums of this country than are 
the mental phases. 

Many of these phases may manifest themselves in 
one medium at times, and are so closely related that 
they often blend one into the other. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 55 

Spirit Raps and Table Tipping. 

Many people have mediumistic qualification for 
spirit-rappings or table-tippings, or both. More per- 
sons are developed for the latter than the former 
phase. 

In the hope that it may do good, we wish to empha- 
size this particular fact; namely, he or she in whose 
presence the stand is moved, or raps are produced by 
an invisible force or power, without the volition of the 
medium or other person in the mortal form, is a me- 
dium; and by proper and persistent sittings may be- 
come developed for other and more desirable phases of 
mediumship. This is as certain as the truths of the 
multiplication table. Many of our greatest mediums, 
both of the early days of Spiritualism and of the pres- 
ent time, began their development with this simple, 
though beautiful phase of mediumship. Slow as is the 
process of communication, many uplifting messages 
are received through this method of communication. 
Many persons, too — through ignorance of the subject 
— have either lost their gift or ruined it by asking fool- 
ish, frivolous, and ridiculous questions. They thus turn 
the sacredness of the seance into a Punch and Judy 
show or something more disgusting. 

Raps may be produced by the spirit with great pre- 
cision, and through them reliable and beautiful mes- 
sages given; but at times the messages are imperfect 
and unreliable, for the simple reason that the spirit 
communicating cannot control the occult forces to 
regulate the raps properly. The result is the communi- 
cations become imperfect. We misunderstand and 
misinterpret their true meaning and sometimes think 
the spirits are deceiving us, when they are not. This 



56 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

is another source from which is drawn the erroneous 
belief in ''evil spirits'' and ''obsession/' We know but 
little regarding the subtle laws and forces governing 
spirit phenomena and spirit manifestations, and our 
ignorance of them may prove to be the only "evil 
spirit" to cause the erroneous communication. By per- 
severance and aspiration for good we may greatly aid 
the spirit and he may learn to control the raps to com- 
municate his messages correctly; and better still, in 
time he may learn to control the medium to give his 
messages more perfectly, and more rapidly. 

Trumpet Speaking. 

The question is often asked: "Why is a trumpet 
used in the seance for spirits to talk through?" The 
answer is simple and plain. If spirits can produce a 
voice or a sound — and we know they can and do — ■ 
that voice or sound may be increased in volume by 
the use of a trumpet exactly as a man's voice is in- 
creased in volume by the use of a megaphone, as is 
shown by men's announcing the departure of trains in 
our railway depots, by their announcing the time of 
airship flights to crowds of people, etc. 

The Christian people seem to be the greatest doubt- 
ers of this phase of spiritual phenomena, and it seems 
to me they should be the last to ask the above men- 
tioned question. Any Christian who may be in doubt 
about spirits speaking or producing other audible 
sounds should read his bible. It contains many rec- 
ords of independent spirit voices and trumpet speak- 
ing. They should also read the writings of Rev. John 
Wesley, the founder of Methodism, regarding the 
strange sounds and other spirit phenomena produced 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 57 

many years ago m the Epworth home, John Wesley's 
father's house. 

Speaking in Tongues. 

The ''gift" or faculty of speaking in different lan- 
guages is an important phase of mediumship when 
rightly understood. The Christian bible records many 
instances of its practice showing that it has been one 
of the many phases of spirit manifestation for ages. 
A large number of modern mediums possess this 
phase of mediumship and practice it more or less at 
times. They are principally led to practice it while in 
the early stages of their development; though some 
mediums continue it at times throughout their lives. 
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR WHICH 
THIS PHASE IS USED BY THE SPIRIT IS IN 
GAINING CONTROL OF THE VOCAL OR- 
GANS AND USING THEM INDEPENDENTLY 
OF THE MEDIUM'S MIND. This adds greatly to 
the power of the controlling spirit in giving tests and 
public discourses. Its practice also develops lung 
power in the medium. 

This phase is also used as a proof of the fact of 
spirit control, spirit individuality, and spirit identity. 
The medium who speaks in ''unknown tongues" or 
foreign languages, or is led to use even jargon or gib- 
berish may feel certain that he is on his way to a 
higher development. Through its use he may develop 
into speaking in "unknown tongues," and from "un- 
known tongues" into speaking in foreign languages, 
and through the use of foreign languages he may be 
developed to that extent that he may be used by the 
spirit friends to deliver fine discourses, improvise 
poetry, etc., in his own language. Mediums speaking 



58 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

in unknown tongues do not unconsciously or other- 
wise influence the thought being expressed through 
their Hps, and in the practice of this phase of medium- 
ship, the spirit develops the power of giving his own 
thought unbiased by the medium's ideas and percep- 
tions. Through its practice he becomes better devel- 
oped, and spirits of his own language become able to 
express their thought independently of the medium's 
ideas. 

Some mediums have been controlled to give lec- 
tures upon the philosophy of Spiritualism, first in a 
language with which they were not acquainted, and 
then were led to reproduce them in their own lan- 
guage. Speaking in a foreign tongue seems to have 
prepared the way for speaking in their native 
language. Mediums should not resist this phase of 
mediumship, but should welcome it, for through it is 
often found the w^ay to the public rostrum and the 
demonstrations of the seance room. 

For records of the practice of this phase of medium- 
ship in ancient times, see Mark XVI-17, Jesus says: 
^'They shall speak with new tongues." Acts XIX-6, 
*'And when Paul had laid his hands upon them the 
Holy Ghost came upon them and they spake with 
tongues and prophesied." Acts II-4, ''And they 
were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak 
with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance." 
Take notice please: The spirit gave them utterance. 
This is just what Spiritualism teaches. The last quo- 
tation was from the account of the Pentacostal feast. 
Read it all, please. 

Spiritualists have many such Pentacostal feasts at 
their seances. Many such passages might be given, 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 59 

but these are sufficient. Modern Spiritualism demon- 
strates the probable truth of these passages of scrip- 
ture and Spiritualists practice this phase of medium- 
ship to the great benefit and blessing of the world. 
It is well for mediums and Spiritualists to know that 
nearly every phase of mediumship practiced among us 
today is recorded in the scriptures, and that Jesus, 
Paul and others urged the ''seeking after these gifts.'' 

Personation, Transfiguration, Etheralization, and 
Materialization. 

Our spirit friends possess bodies in spirit life which 
they describe as being composed of etherialized, sub- 
limated, spiritualized matter or substance. This body 
is very appropriately called by St. Paul, as it is by 
Spiritualists, the ''Spiritual Body.'' 

Some writers have denominated it the "fluidic 
body," and Theosophists and others call it the "Astral 
Body." It matters little by what name it is called, though 
the "Spiritual Body" is preferable, as that is exactly 
what it is, and is more comprehensive. This "Spir- 
itual Body" we shall inhabit when we leave our physi- 
cal forms, and live in the spirit world. 

There are four degrees or phases of this class of 
spirit phenomena, and they blend one into the other. 
They are denominated: personation, transfiguration, 
etherialization and materialization. 
Personation. 

When a medium is led to personate, the spirit makes 
himself known by certain actions, manner of speech, 
words spoken, such as death bed utterances, or repre- 
senting the physical condition that caused his death, 
and other manifestations peculiar to him when living 
on earth. 



60 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

Transfiguration. 

A little more control of the medium and transfigura- 
tion sometimes occurs, in whrch case the medium's 
features are transformed to represent those of the 
spirit; his countenance is changed, and he looks and 
appears as the spirit did when living in earth-life. 

Etherialization. 

When etherialization occurs, the elements of the 
spirit body do not become sufficiently condensed to 
produce full materialization, though they enter the 
realm or sphere of the physical vision sufficiently to be 
discerned as a vapory substance. The vibration has 
not become slow enough in rate, and consequently not 
sufficiently dense, to become fully materialized. It is 
sometimes the case that one can see through an ether- 
ialized form, and discern a light or other object be- 
yond it ; and one may draw his hand through it as he 
would through mist or smoke. 

Materialization. 

A slower vibration of the spiritual atoms composing 
the etherialized body, produces what is called ma- 
terialization. This is done by the spirit who must 
know how to raise and lower the rate of vibration of 
his spiritual body. He must lower it until it becomes 
sufficiently dense or solidified to appear as real physi- 
cal matter, else we could not see or feel it. 

It has been thought necessary for spirits to clothe 
themselves in the coarser elements of matter in order 
to materialize their bodies, but our spirit teachers tell 
us that they only need to lower the rate of vibration 
of the spirit-body to conform to the rate of vibration 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 61 

of our physical bodies to be with us for the moment 
on this mortal plane. It is very difficult for most 
spirits to control the vibratory conditions necessary to 
appear to us, as a knowledge of chemical affinities, 
self control by the spirit, development of will power, 
etc., are necessary to the accomplishment of this beau- 
tiful manifestation of spirits. The elements of vitality 
and magnetic auras drawn from the medium and the 
sitters are necessary in the chemical processes to the 
lowering of the rate of vibration. This is why a me- 
dium and a circle is needed in the production of spirit 
materialization. The foregoing is a brief explanation 
of how spirits materialize as it has been given to the 
author by his spirit teachers, and so far as he is aware, 
was never published before. 

Brief as this explanation appears, the author trusts 
it may assist in starting a new vibration of thought in 
scientific minds and aid in making more clear the sim- 
ple, natural, and scientific processes of spirit material- 
ization. 

The conditions required for the production of spirit 
materialization are so subtle that failures often occur 
with the best developed mediums, and sometimes when 
the seance is composed of the best and most spiritual 
people. 

Therefore, it is plain to be seen that one may as 
well look for June weather in an iceberg as to expect 
genuine spirit materialization in an Opera House; 
and for the same reason, namely: the impossibility of 
getting the necessary conditions from the surrounding 
elements furnished. 

Clairvoyance and Clairscntience. 

Clairvoyance, or clear-seeing, as Webster defines it, 
is the discerning of objects not visible through the 



62 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

physical sight. It is a natural faculty belonging to the 
spirit of man, and may be correctly denominated spir- 
itual seeing. 

There are two phases of clairvoyance; namely, ob- 
jective and subjective. 

Objective clairvoyance may be denominated the 
spiritual X-ray, as through its use the possessor may 
see things that are invisible to the physical eyes, such 
as spirit forms, things in the physical world not pres- 
ent v/ith the medium, diseased physical conditions of a 
patient, etc. 

Subjective Clairvoyance is produced by the mental 
impressions of the spirit-operator acting upon the 
brain of the medium. It is closely related to telepathy 
or thought-transference between spirits of the so- 
called ''dead'' and those in the mortal form. 

Clairsentience is the sensing the presence of disem- 
bodied spirits; the physical, mental, moral, or other 
condition of persons in this life. It is the same as con- 
scious personation. The medium feels the physical 
condition of a sick person or the mental condition of 
one in trouble, etc. 

While sitting for development one should tell what 
he sees or feels, be it ever so little, for in doing so it 
often opens the way for more. 

The medium's mind at times may be so active as to 
interfere with a mental impression or subjective vision 
and cause the manifestation to become defective and 
lose its value. This may occur without the medium's 
knowledge. He may not be able to tell when the spirit 
impression ceases and his own mind begins to act. 
This is a common occurrence with an undeveloped me- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 63 

dium, and no one is to blame for it. The better de- 
elopment a medium has, the less likely this is to occur. 
A well developed medium knows absolutely that his 
vision is correct when it is strongly impressed upon 
him. 

The failure to distinguish between the mental im- 
pression of the spirit and the action of the medium's 
own mind has been a fruitful source of erroneous 
messages and leading to the belief in ''evil spirits," 
obsession,'' etc. 

One should never look for infallibility in any phase 
of mediumship, but should receive all messages and 
phenomena with an open mind and a full realization 
that they should be proven correct before being ac- 
cepted as infallibly true, just as the testimony and 
manifestations of men in the flesh is received. If mis- 
takes occur in spirit manifestations, blame not the me- 
dium, the spirits, nor the sitters. The blame usually 
lies in the misunderstanding of the laws governing 
these subtle, psychic, and spiritual forces. 

Clairaudience. 

Clairaudience is another of the spiritual senses. A 
medium possessing this beautiful spiritual faculty 
hears sounds not audible through the physical ear. 

There are vibrations of light that are too rapid to be 
seen through the physical eye ; and there are vibrations 
of sound too rapid to be caught by the physical ear 
through the medium of the tympanum. These latter 
vibrations may be conveyed to the consciousness of 
the medium in two or more different ways ; one is 
called Objective Clairaudience, the other Subjective 
Clairaudience, and both are very closely related to 
Telepathy. A medium may receive the first few words 



64 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

of a message through Objective Clairaudience and the 
communication may continue to be received through 
Subjective Clairaudience, and end in Telepathy or 
Mental Impressions. 

Objective Clairaudience is the hearing of spirit 
voices without the tympanum of the physical ear being 
vibrated, though the auditory nerve seems to respond 
to the spirit voice as the sound is conveyed to the con- 
sciousness of the medium. The great nerve tension 
under which the medium is placed enables his auditory 
nerve to receive, from within, the rapid vibrations of 
the spirit voices, and the message is conveyed to his 
consciousness. Nothing more is known of the process 
by which the message is received, than is known of the 
process of receiving sounds of human voices in the 
material world. 

Subjective Clairaudience is the process used in 
reaching the medium's consciousness by the spirit 
operator's subjecting the mind to the impression of 
sound. Real sound vibrations may not occur, but that 
which seems like it is impressed upon the medium's 
consciousness, in a similar way to that in which words 
and sentences are impressed upon the consciousness 
of one when reading to himself, without giving utter- 
ance to the words he is reading. Objective Clairaudi- 
ence, Subjective Clairaudience, and mental impres- 
sions are so closely related to each other that a me- 
dium may at times be unable to distinguish between 
them, or to understand where one leaves off and the 
other begins. This is true of several other phases of 
mediumship, as may be seen by reading carefully the 
articles on various phases of mediumship, and notably 
the subjects on Materialization, Etherialization, Trans- 
figuration, and Personation ; also those on Inspiration, 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 65 

Conscious Trance, Semi-Conscious Trance and Un- 
conscious Trance. 

In the manifestation of Clairaudience, the auditory 
nerve is vibrated and responds to the thought and will 
of the spirit, the same as other nerves are made to 
vibrate in response to a thought, inward emotion, or 
action of the mind or will of one's own spirit. 

Impressional Mediumship. 

This kind of mediumship is probably the most com- 
mon of any of the phases. It is more easily developed 
in many persons than are the other phases. In fact, 
most people develop it in some degree, without realiz- 
ing it. It is a fine phase of Mediumship, and the more 
we know of it, and the more we learn to practice it, 
and to rely on it, the more beautiful and better it will 
become developed. 

Many of our public mediums possess this power and 
use it in connection with other phases in the practice 
of their mediumship. Impressional mediumship and 
Subjective Clairvoyance are so nearly alike that it is 
doubtful if a line can be logically drawn between them. 
A medium sees a house and describes it; then he sees 
it on fire ; then he says it is burned down and there 
is nothing left but the walls of the cellar. The me- 
dium says to the sitters, 'This was your childhood 
home, and it burned thirty years ago." The test is rec- 
ognized and verified. 

Now let us analyze this test. The medium saw the 
house, describing it, and yet this house had not been in 
existence for thirty years. How did he see it? The 
controlling spirit evidently remembered how the house 
looked, and impressed upon the medium's mind the 
mental picture of the house as he remembered its 



66 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

looks. He caused the medium to see the house, first, 
as it was before the fire; second, when it was all 
ablaze; third, the ruins, when nothing but the base- 
ment walls remained. This experience may be called 
Impressional mediumship, or it may be called Sub- 
jective Clairvoyance. 

One may develop Impressional mediumship by pre- 
paring himself the same as for the development of 
other phases, sitting by himself at regular stated times 
and by taking notice of his first impressions regarding 
persons and things that he comes in contact with. As 
soon as one seeks to develop this, or any other phase 
of mediumship, and makes the necessary conditions 
therefor, he will attract spirits who will gladly help 
him. With perseverance, aspiration for the good and 
true, there are but few persons who cannot develop it 
in some degree. 

Automatic, Inspirational, Independent and 
Impressional Writing. 

Automatic Writing may be classed with the physical 
phenomena of Spiritualism. The medium's hand is 
moved automatically, or independent of his will. The 
spirit controls the medium's hand and writes intelli- 
gent messages, while the medium is not conscious of 
what is being written. He is able to converse on gen- 
eral topics, or on questions entirely forefgn to the 
writing, while the hand holds close to the subject 
under consideration by the spirit controlling. 

Inspirational Writing is different from Automatic 
Writing in the fact that the medium is conscious of 
what is being written. Every thought written passes 
through the medium's brain before it is jotted down. 
The conscious inspiration extends from the brain to 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 67 

the finger tips. The Inspiration often flows faster 
than the hand can be made to write the thoughts given, 
and thus the work is retarded, and the effort to get 
the intelligent communication sometimes proves fruit- 
less. However, if the sittings are continued at proper 
intervals, and good conditions are made, the rate of 
speed will soon become regulated to a normal, though 
perhaps quite rapid rate, and fine results will be ob- 
tained. 

Impressional Writing is like Inspirational Writing 
in the fact that the thought to be written is impressed 
upon the medium's mind, though it differs from it in 
this feature — the medium is not inspired or impelled 
to write his impressions. But he may do so by his own 
volition, or he may not. He is left to do as he pleases 
about it. 

Strange Writings. 

We have known several mediums who have written 
strange looking writing, such as symbols, hierogly- 
phics, or what one lady called ''hooks and eyes." This 
strange writing usually purports to be of ancient 
origin and produced by ancient spirits. The medium 
is seldom able to interpret this writing, though oc- 
casionally one is developed for the phase of interpreta- 
tion of tongues and of ancient writing. 

Mediums for the phase of symbol or ancient writ- 
ing often complain because they do not develop some- 
thing better or more comprehensive ; but those that we 
have met have devoted very little time to their devel- 
opment, and have employed no systematic methods in 
their sittings, but have held them haphazard. The de- 
velopment of good mediumship requires time, devo- 
tion to the work, and systematic methods. 



68 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

By the use of proper methods this phase of medium- 
ship may be developed into other and more desirable 
manifestations. The ancient spirit having gained con- 
trol may through his power, with practice, prepare the 
medium for some English speaking spirit who may 
write in our language, and other phases such as trance 
speaking, etc., may follow. 

Independent Slate Writing, or Writing Between 
Closed Slates. 

This is one of the most convincing phases. It be- 
longs to the physical phases of mediumship, though it 
may be classed as of both the mental and physical, as 
the movement of the pencil within the slates is purely 
a physical manifestation, and the intelligent communi- 
cation is certainly the product of mind. 

In the production of these phenomena ordinary 
school slates are usually used. Sometimes they are 
hinged together and sometimes not. A piece of slate 
pencil small enough to roll around freely is placed be- 
tween the closed slates, and the spirits use it to write 
messages on the inside of them. 

We have received many beautiful and convincing 
messages through this phase of spirit manifestation. 
With Charles E. Watkins, Pere Keeler, and others of 
their class, the writing is usually done between the 
slates while the medium, the investigator, and some- 
times the members of the circle are holding the slates 
closed together in plain sight. 

Spirits are often identified by the handwriting that 
appears upon the slates. This, together with the fact 
that under the circumstances no human hand could 
have written the messages, and the further proof that 
often lies in the facts stated in the messages them- 
selves makes the test complete. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 69 

Slate writing mediumship is easily developed in 
those physical mediums whose organisms are adapted 
to it. The way to learn if one can develop this phase, 
is by sitting expressly for it at regular times, say once 
or twice a week. One may learn whether he is capa- 
ble of development for it, as he becomes familiar with 
the manner in which he is exercised, and by the spirit 
advice he receives in the matter. 

Fire Mediums. 

A fire medium is one whose powers are such that he 
may handle fire, or heated articles that would burn 
other people, without his being burned. If one pos- 
sesses this phase of mediumship, when under the in- 
fluence of certain spirits, his flesh becomes impervious 
to fire, and the cuticle is not injured by contact with it. 

Mrs. Isa Wilson Kayner (who is the daughter of 
the well known spiritualist lecturer and platform test 
medium, E. V. Wilson, deceased), possesses this phase 
of mediumship in a large degree. The author saw her 
take several large kerosene lamps, and turn the blaze 
as high as possible without causing the lamp chimney 
to become smoked, allowing the lamps to burn until 
the chimneys were very hot, then taking them oflf the 
lamp with her bare hands, handling them as though 
there was no heat in them. She put them on her bare 
arms and on her neck and face. A doctor who was 
one of the committee appointed by the audience, to 
see that everything was done honestly and in good 
faith, was very skeptical, and said he believed he could 
handle them as well as she could. She politely handed 
him one and he let it fall very soon after it touched 
his hands, and of course ruined the lamp globe. 

Mrs. Kayner then rolled the hot globes around on 



70 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

her arms and face, and offered the doctor another one 
of them, but he fell back out of reach, evidently hav- 
ing received all he cared for of that sort of experience. 
Mrs. Kayner then took a celluloid collar and a pair of 
cuffs and drew them backward and forward through 
the full blaze of one of those lamps ; and though they 
were very inflammable, they did not burn. She did 
the same thing with a twenty-dollar bill, and also with 
the lace on her sleeves. She placed her own hand in 
the blaze, drawing it back and forth through the fire. 
She took the author's hand, made a few passes over it, 
stroking it and talking to it in some kind of language, 
tongue, or jargon, as she had been doing to the lamp 
globes, the celluloid collars, etc. (This strange talk was 
supposed to come from the spirit of some ancient fire 
worshiper). After a little she drew his hand slowly 
back and forth through the blaze of the lamp, perhaps 
a dozen or more times, and it did not even feel warm, 
nor did it burn or singe a single hair on his hand. He 
did not feel the effect of the blaze in the least. 

To close this seance after about forty-five minutes 
of playing with fire, Mrs. Kayner took one of those 
large lamps with the blaze turned up in full, placed 
the chimney against her face and with a scientist walk- 
ing backward in front of her, and an M. D. walking 
beside her, where they both could watch the lamp 
and Mrs. Kayner's face, they marched down the aisle 
to the farther end of the hall. There they turned and 
passed across it, then turned back on the other side, 
turning again, passed in front of the rostrum, and came 
upon the platform to the starting point. There she re- 
moved the lamp from her cheek. The scientist, the 
doctor, and others of the committee examined Mrs. 
Kayner's face, and reported that there was no evi- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 71 

dence that heat had been in connection with it. One 
of the committee held a watch and declared that the 
lamp chimney was pressed to the medium's face just 
two minutes and five seconds. 

Among the mediums for this phase of modern me- 
diumship may be mentioned Daniel D. Home, who was 
the means of converting many scientists and other 
leading men of the world, including members of the 
Royal families of different countries, whose recorded 
testimony of the manifestations occurring at his fire 
seances, are an astonishing revelation to novices in 
Spiritualism. 

Our Christian friends may smile on reading the 
foregoing account, and term our belief ''childish 
credulity" ; but, on reflection, they may recall the fact 
that they believe, or have promised to believe, and 
now profess to believe, in the infallibility of the 
Christian bible, and that all who do not believe it, 
will be lost forever. The bible tells of the great 
exploits of its fire mediums, such as bringing fire 
down from heaven to destroy lives, cities, etc. Modern 
phenomena do not compare with these phenomena of 
the "infallible records." 

Moses a Fire Medium. 

See Numbers XVI, Chap., 15-17-21-25 verses. The 
35th verse says : ''And there came out a fire from the 
Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men 
that offered incense." 48th verse says : "And 
he (Moses) stood between the dead and the living; 
and the plague was stayed." (Read whole chapter.) 

The Prophet Elijah a Fire Medium. 

1st Kings XVni Chap., 30th to 40th verse. In the 
37th verse he prays and in 38th verse God answers his 



72 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHLP 

prayer as follows : "Then the fire of the Lord fell and 
consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the 
stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was 
in the trench/' 

Elijah was also a water medium for he made it rain 
soon after this, even after years of drouth. (See 1st 
Kings, XVIII Chap., 41st to 46th verses.) This 
whole chapter is laden with stories of the wonders, the 
marvels, etc., produced by this supposedly greatest fire 
medium that ever lived. 

He finally closed his very remarkable career upon 
earth with a fine fire seance, in which his God sent a 
chariot of fire and horses of fire and carried him in this 
warm weather turnout to Heaven, which is a flat con- 
tradiction to scripture uttered by Paul and other scrip- 
ture writers, Paul says : ''Flesh and blood cannot in- 
herit the Kingdom of God." (Cor. XV-50.) 

Elijah's Last Seance. 

2nd Kings, 2nd Chapter, 11th verse, says: ''And it 
came to pass, as they still went on and talked, that be- 
hold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of 
fire and parted them asunder, and Elijah went up by a 
whirlwind into Heaven.'' Does a belief in this scrip- 
ture record constitute "Childish credulity" ? 

This whole chapter is full of the marvels of this 
medium's powers and acts. 

Fire Fails to Burn This Bible Trio. 

In the book of Daniel, Chap. Ill, we read that King 
Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, and ordered 
the rulers under him to be present at its dedication, 
and to fall down and worship it. They were to be 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 73 

burned for failure to comply with this command. 
Three Jews, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-Nego, re- 
fused and were cast in the fiery furnace, which was 
greatly heated for the occasion. An angel or spirit 
appeared in the fire with them, and they came out of 
the fire unharmed. 

The 27th verse says : ''And the princes, governors 
and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gath- 
ered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the 
fire had no power; nor was an hair of their head 
singed, neither were their coats changed nor the 
smell of fire passed on them.'' 

There are many other passages of scripture regard- 
ing its spirit phenomena, that, to be believed, re- 
quires much greater credulity than anything believed 
by Spiritualists. 

Inspiration, Conscious Trance, Semi-Conscious 
Trance, and Unconscious Trance. 

There is no more danger in entering the unconscious 
trance state than in entering an unconscious sleep as 
we all do on retiring at night. It is a state of deep 
sleep and is closely related to Somnambulism. The 
medium's reasoning faculties are apparently dormant. 
(See article on Somnambulism, page 80.) 

Inspiration. — When a medium is speaking under in- 
spiration the spirit impresses him with the general 
facts in relation to the subject in consideration, and 
the words are sometimes given him to use. At times 
several words having the same meaning are suggested 
from which the medium may select the one he chooses 
to use. In each case the medium sees, feels, and un- 
derstands much more than mere words can be made to 
express. O, the beauty of inspiration! To be once 



74 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

truly inspired by a spirit to see, hear, feel and under- 
stand fully and to express even feebly that which one 
realizes while under the inspiring influence of a spirit, 
is a joy beyond expression. 

Conscious Trance. — With this phase of mediumship 
the medium is conscious of all that transpires around 
him, though his will is inactive. His words, voice, and 
physical movements are controlled by the spirit-hypno- 
tist, and the medium obeys his will in everything so 
long as nothing shocks him. But if the control should 
attempt to lead the medium wrong — something we have 
never experienced — he would fail. The very thought 
of it would bring the medium to himself at once, and 
the control would be thrown off. Our experience 
teaches us that the desire of the spirits is not to do 
wrong, or to cause the medium to do wrong, but al- 
ways to do right and to help and bless the world by 
their heavenly ministrations. 

Semi-Conscious Trance. — This is a condition in 
which the medium is under a little deeper control and 
occupies a sort of dreamy consciousness of what is 
transpiring, and after regaining consciousness remem- 
bers but little of what has transpired. It all seems 
like a dream to him. 

Unconscious Trance. — This is a still deeper trance 
condition, the spirit holding control over the entire 
physical as well as the mental faculties of the medium, 
and directing their action. When the medium returns 
to his normal consciousness, he remembers nothing of 
what has transpired while he was in the magnetic 
sleep. He is not fatigued but usually feels rested as 
from a restful night's sleep. 

Conscious Trance, Inspiration, or Impressional me- 
diumship, are preferable to Unconscious Trance be- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 75 

cause with these phases the medium is in a condition 
to receive the benefit of the lectures or phenomenal oc- 
currances, and thus becomes educated in the facts, 
philosophy and other great truths of Spiritualism and 
mediumship; whereas, if unconscious, the medium is 
not benefited in this way, though he may be greatly 
benefited physically, the same as with other phases. 
Mediums should let the spirits decide what phases they 
can best develop, though the medium's wishes should 
be considered. 

The spirits generate, and are enveloped in spiritual 
auras, which, together with the magnetic and electric 
forces of the medium and sitters constitute the battery 
used to produce all spirit manifestations. 

In the early stages of development mediums are 
often placed in an unconscious trance. This is prob- 
ably because the spirit can more successfully carry on 
the development of the medium and get better results 
in the phenomena with the medium's consciousness 
placed at one side. The medium's understanding of 
spiritual things is at first necessarily limited, and con- 
sequently his erroneous ideas regarding such matters 
may unintentionally influence the communications and 
cause misrepresentation to occur; but as the medium 
gradually becomes acquainted with the laws and 
methods of control and gains an understanding of the 
teachings of the spirits, his enlightenment obviates the 
necessity of his continuing to be unconsciously en- 
tranced, and gradually his condition is changed to that 
of the conscious trance. Most mediums outgrow the 
unconscious trance state in time and become fully con- 
scious of what transpires through their mediumship, 
though occassionally a medium continues to do his 
work in an unconscious state. 



76 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

Spirit Photography. 

Spirit Photography may be explained by the facts 
recorded in our article on Materialization, coupled 
with the fact that the photographic lens is capable of 
catching the reflection of things that are invisible to 
the physical eye. Dr. W. M. Lockwood, a practical 
photographer, scientist and able writer on the subject 
of Scientific Spiritualism, says that spirit photography 
is a scientifically demonstrated truth. 

It is claimed that the lens of the camera is six 
times stronger than the human eye, and it is a fact that 
the sensitized plate will record that which the eye 
cannot discern. The author once photographed a 
house when the evening shades were falling. It was 
so dark that he could not distinguish the outline of 
the shingles on the roof. It was impossible to tell 
v/hether the roof was shingled or not. He gave the 
plate a long exposure and when the negative was 
developed it was a fine one. The print showed every 
shingle as clearly as though it had been taken in the 
best light. 

Since the telescope and microscope enable us to see 
things Vv'hich the physical eye cannot discern, may 
it not be reasonable to suppose that it is possible for 
the lens of a camera to reflect, and the sensitized plate 
to record, the forms of our spirit friends, providing 
they are about us, and have, as Spiritualism teaches, 
''Spiritual Bodies'' composed of refined, sublimated 
matter, or substance? 

The truth of spirit photography has been demon- 
strated to the satisfaction of many people including 
some of our great scientists. It is as easily explained 
as many of the more common phenomena of every 
day occurrence. 



I 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 77 

When we have discovered the source of the laws 
and forces governing photography, we will be able to 
trace spirit-photography to the causes producing it. 
By the same methods v/e shall be able to discover the 
cause of anything else that transpires. As yet, we 
know not how we move a muscle. We cannot trace 
anything to its final source. 

We may trace all phenomena to a certain point, but 
there we stop and can go no farther. Some are 
satisfied to attribute the cause to God, but know no 
more about the real cause producing it than if it were 
attributed to Nature, Chance, or some other supposed 
cause. The cause of all phenomena is not yet dis- 
covered, notwithstanding they are all the time occur- 
ring, — Spirit phenomena included. This is demon- 
strated, and as certainly proved as is any other fact in 
nature. Spirit photography is a proven fact produced 
through the operation of the unerring laws and subtle 
forces of nature. Consequently it is a natural phe- 
nomenon. 

One of the first and most successful mediums for 
spirit photography was Mr. Mumler, of Philadelphia, 
Pa. Some years ago he was arrested as a supposed 
fraud, but he proved by actual test before the court 
that his spirit pictures were genuine, and he was dis- 
charged accordingly. 

Impersonation. 

Impersonation is one of the phases of mediumship 
that is not well understood. It is often improperly 
called Clairvoyance. Through this phase of medium- 
ship disease is diagnosed, the cause located, and reme- 
dies are prescribed. 

Under spirit influence the medium may be controlled 

6 



78 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

to take upon himself the physical and mental con- 
dition of persons in the mortal form, thus diagnosing 
disease, etc., correctly. Spiritual Science teaches that 
the invisible aura, or magnetism of the patient, enters 
the pores of the skin and is transmitted to the 
medium's brain, and thence is diffused throughout 
the nervous system, causing him to experience in great 
or small degree the condition of the patient. The 
medium being highly sensitized by the spirit control- 
ling, easily comprehends the conditions produced upon 
his nervous system by the influence of the magnetic 
aura, thus absorbed in the action of these marvelous 
mediumistic processes, and he unhesitatingly describes 
the physical ailments, mental derangements, desires, 
hopes, purposes and tendencies of the patient. A 
medium may be placed in an unconscious trance state 
while the spirit describes these conditions; or he may 
retain his consciousness and describe them himself. 
That is merely a question of his mediumistic develop- 
ment. 

Some mediums like Mrs. J. H. R. Matteson, of Buf- 
falo, N. Y., while entranced, take upon themselves the 
condition of the patient, whether he is present in the 
room or a thousand miles away. In such cases the 
spirit places upon the medium the physical condition 
and prescribes the remedies for the cure of the patient. 

This method of diagnosis is very accurate. The 
medium in taking upon himself the condition of the 
patient, feels as the patient feels, and the clear seeing 
of the spirit makes the diagnosis doubly strong. In 
coming in contact with the patient his physical con- 
dition is impressed upon the medium, and in the pro- 
cess it cannot impress something different; it must 
impress the condition just as it is. The medium like 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 79 

the mirror must reflect the image of that placed before 
it. The medium rarely makes a mistake in a diagnosis 
of this character, though he may unconsciously come 
in contact with some other person than the one in- 
tended and make a diagnosis of their case instead. 
Great care should be taken not to make this mistake. 
By developing the use of will power, a medium may 
avoid taking on the condition of his patient when not 
wishing to diagnose his disease. And by the same 
power he may throw it off when he does take on 
such condition. Pure air in the room is essential to 
good results. 

Impersonating Spirits. 

Impersonation is also a very useful phase of me- 
diumship in identifying spirits when manifesting. 
The medium for this phase is controlled by the spirit. 
For the time being he is thoroughly under the hyp- 
notic control of the spirit. He feels what the spirit 
feels, thinks what he thinks, and acts as he acts, often 
passing through the experience which caused the 
spirit's transition, imitating his breathing, repeating 
his last words, in short, reenacting the death scene. 
Though the medium himself may know nothing of 
the case, he may reproduce the scene of death and per- 
sonate one dying of fever, cancer, drowning, burning, 
or any other condition that may have caused the trans- 
ition of the returning spirit. 

In our own experience we have been controlled to 
personate the transition of many spirits taking upon 
us the conditions, and reenacting the death scene 
caused by many different diseases, accidents, etc. 
These impersonations like all other phases of medium- 
ship are not in the least harmful unless practiced 



80 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

excessively ; but they are very helpful in the unfolding 
of one's mediumistic powers. 

Impersonating spirits serves two purposes : it iden- 
tifies the spirit and helps to develop the medium so he 
will be able to understand what caused the transition 
of the spirit manifesting. Some mediums require more 
of this development than others before they are able 
to understand what caused the spirit's transition, 
without first taking upon themselves the full condition, 
or impersonating to the full extent the spirit's con- 
dition when passing over. Impersonating a spirit's 
passing through the death scene is usually a certain 
test of his personal presence and identity. 

Somnambulism, — Its Relation to Mediumship. 

Somnambulism borders closely upon clairvoy- 
ance and sleep-walkers are sometimes controlled 
by spirits while in this strange condition. Persons 
while in the unconscious somnambulistic state have 
written wonderful essays and sermons, composed 
music, solved intricate problems in mathematics, com- 
posed and written poetry and other things that w^ere 
beyond their ability when in the normal state. This 
may be mental mediumship. Somnambulism is also 
closely related to the trance condition. The medium 
acts and does things which exceed his powers when 
awake; and while in a deep sleep acts with caution 
and precision, often avoiding danger, sometimes per- 
forming feats of climbing, etc., that he could not 
accomplish in his waking state. He is in such cases 
physically controlled and his movements directed by 
some intelligence, be it his own or another's. In many 
cases it is proven that it is an intelligence beyond his 
own in its normal waking state, for he finds lost 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 81 

articles, missing things of which he did not know their 
whereabouts. 

It is true that we have various faculties, and that 
some of them may be thoroughly awake while others 
lie dormant. We do things unconsciously and appar- 
ently without willing to do them. We may raise our 
spectacles to our forehead, and in a moment we are 
hunting the room over to find them. They are in 
plain sight of others where we placed them a moment 
before, but we have no recollection of placing them 
there and are unconscious of the position they occupy. 
We scratch our head because it itches; li our atten- 
tion is called to the fact that we just did so, we have 
no recollection of it. We lay things down and when 
wanted do not know where we laid them, or perhaps 
do not remember having had them in our possession. 

We do many things in our waking moments and do 
them unconsciously. May it not be as reasonable to 
suppose that the same faculties may sometimes con- 
tinue to operate while we sleep? Everything we do is 
not impressed upon our consciousness. As there is 
an outer and inner side to life, so there must be an 
outer and inner side to our consciousness. 

As before stated somnambulists may be subjects of 
spirit control. Somnambulism at least indicates med- 
iumship and until the subject has been more thor- 
oughly investigated by competent Spiritualists, we may 
not be able to answer definitely the question, ''Is Som- 
nambulism one of the many phases of mediumship?" 

We believe the National Spiritualist Association 
should institute a commission and appoint a commit- 
tee of Scientific Spiritualists to investigate this meta- 
physical phenomenon and all other peculiar mental 



82 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

phenomena that may relate to the different phases of 
mediumship. 

Why leave these investigations to the material 
scientist who knows little or nothing about medium- 
ship and the spiritual faculties, when we have many 
Spiritualists who are scientists and as Spiritual Scien- 
tists are thoroughly qualified to fill a place on such a 
commission ? The National Spiritualist Association 
would do a great thing for the cause of Spiritualism 
and make for itself a still greater place in the hearts 
and minds of men if it would appoint such a commis- 
sion, and give to the world the results of their re- 
searches. 

Difference Between Telepathy and Mind Reading. 

When two people are holding telepathic communi- 
cation with each other both are supposed to be con- 
scious of the fact. But one person may read the mind 
of another without his being conscious of it. The 
former is Telepathy, the latter is Mind Reading. If 
one sends you a thought and you catch its vibration 
and it is impressed upon your mind, you have not read 
his mind, you have simply caught the thought he sent 
out. If you mentally come into his sphere of aura 
and there take cognizance of what he is thinking, if 
his thought is transferred to your mind without his 
intention or volition, then you haye read his mind 
and that is mind-reading. 

Telepathy and Mind Reading Explained. 

In the investigation of this subject we have proven 
to our satisfaction that the possessor of this power 
is nothing more nor less than a spirit medium, and 
that spirit assistance is given the mind reader. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 83 

The human brain may be likened unto a receiving 
and sending instrument for wireless telegraphy. It 
is an instrument used in sending forth thoughts .and 
in receiving them. It is like a musical instrument, as 
different tunes may be played upon it, or different 
rates of vibration may act upon it. As the musical 
note produced upon the piano is caught and repro- 
duced upon the string of a violin keyed to the same 
rate of vibration, so one human brain may receive the 
thought produced by another brain of the same rate 
of vibration. In neither case can the receiving instru- 
ments avoid recording the manifestation produced by 
the other, if within its radius. Such is the law, and 
it must record itself upon the instrument that is prop- 
erly attuned to it. 

Although telepathy between men in the mortal may 
possibly be accomplished without the assistance of 
spirits when conditions are right, yet we feel satisfied 
that mind-reading so-called is more often produced 
through spirit assistance. Wise spirits may read the 
mind of a person and then transmit the thought to 
another mind whose vibration is not attuned to the 
same rate as the one producing the thought. This 
may be done by the spirit's changing his own mental 
vibration to accord with the different rate of the one 
who produces the thought, and then to that of the one 
receiving it. Impressional mediums receive messages 
and communications from spirits through this same 
law. When the brain of both subjects of an experi- 
ment in mind reading are attuned to the same wave- 
length and rate vibration, each one must respond to 
the other. They cannot help it. 

A human brain responds to any thought from its 
possessor, and every emotion of the soul or desire of 



84 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

the spirit may find expression through this wonderful 
organ. It may also respond to other's thoughts and 
emotions that are vibrating in the same key to which 
it is attuned. The emotions may be expressed through 
the medium of a musical instrument. A pen and 
paper may be used for the purpose; or they may be 
expressed through the instrumentality of the vocal 
organs, but they must first find their way through the 
brain. 

No instrument of the mind or body, or anything 
produced by them, is able to express perfectly a single 
emotion. All manifestations of mind are imperfect 
because of the imperfect instruments it uses; there- 
fore, infallibility in the manifestations of mental med- 
iumship cannot, must not be expected. 

In making experiments in telepathy the mediums 
should be harmonious and of one mind. A perfect 
blending of thought for the time being is essential. 
If good results are not attained without, it would be 
well to court the assistance of the spirit friends. 
These same laws govern the transmission of the 
spirit's message to the medium. The laws governing 
the phenomena of telepathy and mind-reading — to 
some extent — govern the phenomena of wireless 
telegraphy. The forces controlling the former are 
seemingly almost infinitely more subtle and refined 
than those governing the latter. 

Spiritualists have taught and demonstrated the truth 
of mind-reading and telepathic communication for 
more than sixty years, while, with a comparatively 
few exceptions, the scientists of the world have scoffed 
at or ignored their claims of the discovery of this 
truth. 

Through the persistency of the spirits, the mediums 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 85 

and the other Spiritualists of the world, in present- 
ing and demonstrating these truths to the public, the 
scientists have at last been led to investigate the mat- 
ter; and with the encouraging results that, by apply- 
ing the powers of our mediums in the study of experi- 
mental psychology, many of them have become con- 
vinced of the truth of Modern Spiritualism and have 
proclaimed it to the world. 

Dear Mediums, you have reason to feel grateful 
and to congratulate yourselves and to rejoice with all 
other Spiritualists, for to you belongs the credit of 
having accomplished this almost modern miracle. 
Without you and your blessed mediumship this mighty 
work could never have been accomplished. 

Psychometry. 

'Tsychometry" is a word that was coined by Prof. 
J. R. Buchanan, and signifies soul measure. It is a 
name given that power of a medium to discern things, 
read their history, etc., through the magnetic forces 
permeating certain things. 

The faculty to read phychometrically is quite com- 
mon among mediums. Persons possessing this power 
may correctly read one's character from a lock of 
hair, the hand writing, photograph, an article of cloth- 
ing, or anything containing one's magnetism. They may 
read from a piece of mineral the story of the rocks, 
describing ancient upheavals, etc. Rich mines have 
been discovered through this power. We think it is 
the generally accepted belief that the power to psy- 
chrometrize lies within the medium alone, without 
the aid of spirits. We can neither affirm nor deny 
the truth of this belief, as our experience has not 
settled the question with us. We have been very sue- 



86 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

cessful in giving readings from articles, photographs, 
handwriting, snap of the finger, a whistle, sound of 
the voice, etc. Mrs. Sprague has given some wonder- 
ful tests from a piece of rock, precious stones and 
metals, but we always have spirit assistance in doing 
this work. Whenever we have attempted it the spirit 
helpers came to assist us. We do not say that a per- 
son may not do it without spirit assistance. In fact, we 
think it possible that he may develop the power him- 
self to psychometrize, inasmuch as we believe he is a 
spirit here and now, and that he is endowed with in- 
finite possibilities. However, we think that spirits are 
active with the medium whenever success is attained 
in the practice of this splendid ''spiritual gift." 

Mr. Hudson Tuttle in his book, ''Mediumship and 
Its Laws," well says: ''It is true that no one can 
be sufficiently sensitive to give psychometric readings 
and not be subject to spirit control." 

Phrenelogy may tell what should be the results com- 
ing from a certain combination of the organs of the 
mind, but Psychometry tells what the results are, what 
the individual really is, and without consulting the 
organs at all. The spiritual forces which are always 
governed by law, penetrate the mind, search out the 
feelings, emotions, hopes, fears, joys and sorrows, 
revealing the physical, mental, moral and spiritual 
condition of the subject. 

This penetrating power may become of great assist- 
ance in the selection of an occupation or in overcoming 
undesirable inherited or acquired tendencies. It is of 
great assistance in the development of grander and 
more noble qualities of mind and strength of charac- 
ter. We are certain that the people of the world would 
grow rapidly better and wiser if psychometry were 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 87 

freely practiced and the teachings of Modern Spirit- 
ualism were applied in the lives of men. 

In the development of mediumship it may be helpful 
to experiment in this phase of the work by reading the 
character of individuals from their photographs, hand- 
writing, and articles carried upon their persons. 

Dermo Psychography, or Spirit Writing Upon the 
Skin, Sometimes Called Stigma. 

Definitions by Webster: ''Stigma — Marks believed 
to have been supernaturally impressed upon the bodies 
of certain persons in imitation of the wounds on the 
crucified body of Christ." ''Dermo — skin. Psycho- 
graphy — spirit writing." 

This phase of mediumship is very rare ; it furnishes 
proof of spirit presence and power. Names and spirit 
messages have been written upon the skin of modern 
mediums in blood colored letters. The phenomena oc- 
curred in broad daylight, in the presence of witnesses, 
and gradually disappeared before their eyes. The 
writer has witnessed this phase of spirit writing when 
the letters appearing were nearly one inch in length. 

This Phase Rare in Bible Times. 

While there are many passages of scripture that 
record the other phases of mediumship, including clair- 
voyance, materialization, prophecy and healing by lay- 
ing on of hands, we find but a single passage that could 
be construed to mean spirit writing on the skin. 1st 
Chronicles, XXVIII Chap., 19th Verse, says: "All this 
said David, the Lord made me understand in writing 
by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pat- 
tern." Thus David says the Lord gave him the pat- 
tern for "All the Courts of the House of the Lord," 
all "treasuries," "dedicated things," and "all the ves- 
sels," by writing upon him. (11th to 20th verses.) 



88 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

Foretelling Events. 

The spirit friends are often in possession of facts 
unknown to men in this mortal sphere. They are capa- 
ble of obtaining knowledge of future events by rea- 
soning from cause to effect, thus foreteUing what to 
us may seem miraculous, because their conclusions are 
based upon facts not known to us, but well known to 
them. They have clearer perceptions than men on 
earth. There is also a higher law that belongs to the 
spiritual realm, and spiritual faculties are operative 
under the law. 

Intuition. 

Intuition is one of the spiritual faculties. It causes 
one to know without reasoning. It manifests at times 
through persons in the flesh, and occasionally in a re- 
markable degree. This faculty is greatly increased in 
power in some disembodied spirits, and through it they 
know certain events that are to occur in the future. 

Furthermore, spirits tell us that they have other fac- 
ulties of which we have no possible conception. In 
some spirits they are scarcely developed at all; in 
others but slightly ; while in others they are more fully 
unfolded, and by such highly developed spirits the 
future is accurately and wonderfully foretold. 

It is utterly impossible for one whose spiritual fac- 
ulties are not developed in some degree to understand 
this. To illustrate : He who is born without the fac- 
ulty of hearing has not the slightest idea of the mean- 
ing of music. He knows nothing of sound. He who 
is born without eyes knows absolutely nothing of the 
beauties this sense reveals; therefore it is plain to be 
seen that if spirits of the higher life have organs, fac- 
ulties, and powers of which we know nothing, that 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 89 

there may be given them means of foreseeing, fore- 
knowing, and foretelling the future. All spirits have 
not yet developed these powers. Many are densely 
ignorant of them, but the possibility of their unfold- 
ment is an inheritance of every soul. 

Wise spirits tell us that they bring us all we are able 
to comprehend through the faculties that wt now pos- 
sess in our present state of development. 

Man with his so-called five physical senses, in their 
present limitations, gives promise of greater things in 
future, and his spiritual powers are constantly improv- 
ing in this life. They are more largely developed in 
the race of today than they were in primitive man, and 
with these new and added faculties in spirit life, how 
he must advance in knowledge, wisdom, and power. 
The thought is beautiful to contemplate and glorious 
in its promise. 

Wise spirits do accurately and truthfully foretell 
the future; this we know to be true^ and in knowing 
this it becomes easy to believe that highly developed 
spirits possess faculties through which they are enabled 
to foreknow facts and events, and map out the future 
as accurately as an astronomer may calculate and fore- 
know the appearance of a comet or the occurrence of 
an eclipse. 

Diagnosing Disease Clairvoyantly. 

Medical clairvoyance has this advantage over other 
methods of diagnosing disease. The clairvoyant at 
times can look through a human body, as though it 
were composed of glass. This is a beautiful yet nat- 
ural truth, and no more miraculous than the fact that 
we can look through a brick, a piece of steel, or other 
solid substance by the aid of the X-ray. The clairvoy- 



90 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

ant often sees and discerns the cause of the disease, 
as well as its action upon the human system. It also 
makes clear the effect of medicine upon the system 
while other doctors must depend upon the outward 
symptoms for this knowledge. 

Healing mediumship usually accompanies medical 
clairvoyance, though not always. Mediums who do 
not possess the ''Gift of Healing'' sometimes are led to 
prescribe herbal remedies. 

Without clairvoyance the mental healer or the mag- 
netic healer is as much in the dark regarding the cause 
or kind of disease, or of the action of his remedies, 
as is the practitioner of the older schools of medicine. 

Magnetic and Spiritual Healing. 

Probably no one. lives entirely independent of the 
influence of disembodied spirits, though a compara- 
tively few may realize their presence and power. 

Telepathy, to a greater or less extent, is carried on 
between man in the mortal and man in the spirit. 

All men, either in the physical or in the spirit world, 
control their bodies by the power of the spirits inhab- 
iting them. The spirit builds the body, heals its 
wounds, eliminates its diseases and impresses its 
thoughts upon it. Thoughts are emanations of mind, 
mind is a possession of the spirit. If our spirit sends 
forth good thoughts, good is accomplished. If our 
spirit sends forth evil thoughts, evil is the result. Evil 
thoughts generate ill health, good thoughts generate 
good health. 

The spirit possesses what is called will. The proper 
use of the will is a potent power in generating a 
healthy vibration. The spirit builds organs as they 
are needed, and when no longer used, the gradual 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 91 

shrinking away of the protoplasmic deposit causes 
them to become atrophied. A single thought may stop 
the heart from beating or paralyze a nerve. A differ- 
ent thought may quicken the heart beats, bring a flush 
to the cheek, or vitalize the nerves. Illness is often 
produced by fright. Health is sometimes restored by 
joyful news. Healthful magnetism is generated in the* 
physical organism by thinking good and happy 
thoughts. 

Individual magnetism is the base of operations in 
Magnetic and Spiritual Healing, as it is in all other 
spirit manifestations. There is healthful magnetism 
and diseased magnetism. The former produces a har- 
monious vibration, the latter produces a discordant 
vibration ; or a harmonious vibration produces health- 
ful magnetism, and a discordant vibration produces 
diseased magnetism. The healing is accomplished 
through the vitalizing of the magnetic currents, equal- 
izing the circulation and creating a harmonious blend- 
ing of the mental and physical forces. 

Diseased magnetism is often generated by thinking 
evil or unhappy thoughts. The condition of one's 
magnetism determines the state of one's health. We 
should always strive to think cheerful, kindly, good 
and loving thoughts, if we would be healthy and happy. 
Spiritual Healing. 

Our spirit friends generate a spiritual magnetism all 
their own. Mediums feel and understand its power. 
It is more potent than the magnetism of men in the 
mortal, because it is more refined and pure. 

The magnetic forces generated by spirit and mortal 
constitute the intermediary between spirit and matter. 
It is used to convey the message of men and spirits 
between the visible and the invisible realms, as elec- 



92 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

tricity is used in wireless telegraphy to send man's 
message across the mighty ocean. It is used to con- 
nect the spirit of man in this Hfe with his own body, 
as it is in every other instance when matter is ani- 
mated with life. 

Spirit chemists through certain mediums may dis- 
cern the condition of a patient, note a superfluity or 
a lack of certain elements in his body, and through the 
medium's forces may eliminate them or supply such 
elements as are needed, and instantaneous healing is 
accomplished. Everything depends - upon conditions. 
There should be a harmonious blending of the forces 
of the spirit, the medium and the patient. The recep- 
tivity of the patient also has much to do with its suc- 
cess. The harmonious mental condition of the spirit, 
the medium and the patient are also necessary to the 
successful healing of the patient. 

Where conditions are not perfect the process of 
healing is retarded, and in such cases it often takes 
time to heal a patient. Conditions permitting, the pa- 
tient may be healed instantly. "Magnetic and Spiritual 
Healing" embodies what good there is in "Faith Cure," 
"Prayer Cure," "Mental Healing," "Divine Healing," 
and every other legitimate method of mental and spir- 
itual healing known, including "Emmanuelism," "Sug- 
gestive Theraputies," etc. In fact Spiritual Healing 
was made clear by Modern Spiritualism and it is the 
mother of all the New Thought Methods. It teaches 
the laws governing these forces and instructs us in 
their application. Not a single new thought along 
these lines of healing, so far as we know, has yet been 
presented that is of the least value whatever, that 
was not previously given to the world by Modern 
Spiritualism in its philosophy and facts of Spiritual 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 93 

Science. It explains scientifically the so-called "Mirac- 
ulous" ( ?) healing of the sick by Jesus and his Apos- 
tles. 

There is virtue in most methods of healing, but Spir- 
itual healing stands preeminent, and may be used to 
great advantage by all. Many people are mediums for 
this phase, and in some it may be easily developed. 

The medium for Magnetic and Spiritual Healing, on 
entering the sick room becomes charged with spiritual 
forces brought by his spirit-helpers, and the more re- 
ceptive he becomes to that power the more successful 
will be his work. Some mediums are so receptive to 
these spirit forces that it does not become necessary 
to lay hands on the patient ; while others may need to 
rub and make passes over the patient. 

Through the application of the spiritual forces sup- 
plied by the spirit, and the magnetic powers of the 
medium, the circulation of the patient is increased 
when needed and the organs of the body stimulated 
into new activity. When the patient's system is racked 
with fever and the blood rapidly coursing through the 
veins, the body seemingly on fire the spirit applies cool- 
ing forces through the medium and the fever is al- 
layed, and the pulse very soon restored to the normal 
condition. We have witnessed these evidences of the 
power of magnetic and spiritual healing many times. 

The healer should possess perfect confidence in his 
spirit helpers, and the more confidence the patient has 
in them and in the healer, the better the results. Both 
should send out an earnest desire or prayer to the 
spirit friends for a perfect cure. They should be- 
come inspired with confidence and sincerity, to which 
should be added the determination of the patient to 
recover his health, and of the healer to perform the 

7 



94 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

cure. They should think only good thoughts and look 
on the bright side of life, being always hopeful and 
optimistic, seeing good in everyone and everything. 
Pleasant conversation, a little levity, vocal, and instru- 
mental music are helpful where the patient is not too 
low. 

Magnetic and Spiritual Healing combined constitute 
the most powerful curative known. The magnetic 
healer may impart his own vital forces to the patient 
or the spirit may do the same independently; or he 
may apply his spiritual forces through the medium and 
thus heal the patient. Where the patient is sufficiently 
mediumistic and furnishes the proper conditions — 
as explained in another chapter — the spirit may apply 
these forces direct to the mediumistic patient and he 
is healed. There are many records of such cases 
among church people, as well as among Spiritualists, 
but the church calls them miracles, while Spiritualism 
demonstrates that they are accomplished through 
natural law by spirits acting through mediums. 

Absent Healing, or Healing at a Distance. 

People are often healed by spirit power exercised 
through mediums when the healer is not present with 
the patient. This ''Gift of Healing" is not given by 
''Special Providence," but is developed through spirit 
power and is accomplished by its direction of the 
forces. 

The suggestion of the healer given by letter or 
otherwise, helps the patient to place himself in a con- 
dition to receive the forces of the spirit healers. 

The patient is instructed to become passive in the 
quiet of his room, and as distance is nothing to spirits, 
they may use the magnetic forces of the medium, to- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 95 

gether with the patient's own spiritual forces to heal 
him, in the same manner as when they are together. 
This is explained in the foregoing article on Magnetic 
and Spiritual Healing. In rare cases the patient may 
be healed, though not conscious of the fact that the 
healer and his spirit friends are exercising their powers 
for his recovery ; but the forces are greatly multiplied 
when the patient is conscious of the healing power and 
enters into it with confidence and determination to re- 
ceive help. Auto-suggestion plays a good part in plac- 
ing the patient in a receptive condition and is of great 
assistance in the process of healing. 

Reading Pellets, or Folded and Sealed Questions* 

This phase of mediumship is easily developed by 
one who is clairvoyant and clairaudient, and often 
proves a very satisfactory method of testing the truth 
of spirit communion. 

Some mediums have the power developed so well 
that they are able to read word for word what is writ- 
ten on a piece of paper and rolled up into a pellet, and 
after reading it, receiving the spirit's answer to the 
question written. Other mediums may not be developed 
to read what is written in the pellet or sealed ques- 
tion, but may get the answer through their clairaudi- 
ence or clairvoyant powers. 

The author's mediumship was developed for this 
phase. In his early development he did much in the 
way of answering questions, folded, sealed, or rolled 
into pellets, though he was never able to read what 
was written upon them. In his book, ''A Future Life 
Demonstrated," the author records several of his ex- 
periences in this phase of mediumship, one of which 
he will reproduce here, as it will help to make clear 



96 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

just how this phase of mediumship occurs, and how 
the work is accomplished by the spirit helpers of the 
medium. The article mentioned follows : 

Spirits Found Lost Spectacles. 

''At another one of these meetings, I was led to an- 
swer written questions. I think more than thirty ques- 
tions were placed upon my forehead, and all were 
answered satisfactorily to those who placed them there, 
though I had not seen them. 

Among the questions answered that day was one 
written by Mr. Henry Brown of Evans, N. Y. When 
it was placed on my forehead I became clairvoyant. 
I saw and described a book case, and heard these 
words, 'Behind that book case.' This was repeated. 
I then said, 'Mr. Brown, that is all I get. Is that the 
answer to your question?' He said he did not know, 
but would tell me later. 

One month later we attended the meeting which 
was held at Mr. Brown's home, when he came to me 
and handed me a pair of spectacles, saying, 'Here are 
the spectacles you found for me.' 'The spectacles I 
found for you' said I. 'Yes,' said he, laughing; 
'last month at the meeting held at Levi Brown's, I 
placed a question upon your head in which I asked the 
spirit friends what became of my spectacles, they hav- 
ing disappeared at a circle held in my house several 
weeks before. You saw and described our book case 
and said, 'Behind that bookcase.' When I reached 
home I pulled out the book case, and there behind it 
were the spectacles. The night they were lost we were 
holding a circle at our house; the light was turned low. 
I took off my glasses and laid them on the table, and 
they were gone when the circle was over. I searched 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 97 

the house, but could not find them. It was a pleasant 
surprise as well as an excellent test to find them be- 
hind that book case, where the spirit-friends had said 
they were.' '' 

To test one's power in this phase of mediumship it 
is a good plan to let the medium get well under the in- 
fluence and then tell him what you wish to do; then 
putting the question upon his forehead, hold it there, 
and tell the medium to remain passive, and take his 
time ; to give out any impression he gets, describe any 
vision he may have, or repeat the words he may chance 
to hear; and if what he gets has nothing to do with 
the matter at all, do not be discouraged, but bear in 
mind the fact that all mediums for mental phenomena 
must learn to distinguish between the action of their 
own minds, and the spirit impressions. The acquir- 
ing of this power plays an important part in one's de- 
velopment. 

The author has made no practice of this phase of 
mediumship in many years, with the exception that he 
uses it occasionally in acquiring advice and informa- 
tion for members of his immediate family, upon ques- 
tions of importance, that are not easily obtained in any 
other manner. Neither does he now give private read- 
ings to anyone. His work consists in speaking, giving 
messages and tests from the pubKc rostrum, and in 
writing. 



98 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

CHAPTER V. 
Fraudulent Mediums and Fortune Tellers. 

Nearly everyone will admit that fraud has attached 
itself to everything excepting ( ?) politics. But no one 
is willing to give up his good greenback dollars, silver 
or gold coin, because some rascals have circulated 
counterfeits of them. 

It is not the purpose of this work to expose fraudu- 
lent or simulated mediumship, though the author 
would like to clear the country of all such villainous 
pretenders. The officers of the National Spiritualist 
Association, through its twenty or more state auxil- 
iaries, their officers and members and those of their 
local societies, as well as every true independent Spir- 
itualist in the land, are all uncompromisingly opposed 
to the untrue and dishonest work of persons who have 
tried to attach themselves to Spirtualism. They are 
doing all in their power to bring them to justice and 
free our cause from the accursed blight their nefarious 
acts have brought upon it in certain localities. 

The production of fraud in the seance room is not 
mediumship. There are many vile impostors, ^Trofs.'' 
and /'Madams'' who infest the cities, advertising them- 
selves as ''the seventh daughters of the seventh sons," 
"the great Mahatmas of India" (the latter class are 
imitators of Theosophy, not of Spiritualism), "great- 
est mediums and clairvoyants on earth," etc., promis- 
ing to do anything and everything desired, including 
"reuniting lost lovers," "selling charms," "bringing 
good luck," "finding oil wells" and "gold mines," "for 
fifty cents and up," sometimes borrowing diamonds to 
"magnetize," and then leaving town between two days 
to enter other fields of plunder, where they continue 
the same old tricks under some different name. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 99 

These vile impostors are not Spiritualists, and much 
less mediums. Their days are numbered. The Spirit- 
ualists with the help of the police force of the cities 
are driving them from their vile haunts while the 
world is gradually learning to distinguish the true from 
the false, and through this knowledge our cause is ad- 
vancing and taking its place among the great and 
newly developed truths of this wonderful age. 

Fraudulent Investigators. 

It is clear to all thinking Spiritualists and other well 
informed persons that great injustice is often done to 
honest and worthy mediums. When would-be ex- 
posers, or ignorant investigators visit mediums, giving 
fictitious names, falsifying and misrepresenting facts, 
and by their cunning trying to deceive and mislead the 
medium, they usually succeed in exposing their own 
gross ignorance of the subject they seek to destroy. 
They ruin the conditions which might otherwise have 
been good. Under the influence of honesty of pur- 
pose, confidence in the good, a desire for the truth, on 
the part of the sitter, the results might have been beau- 
tiful and satisfying. The sitter is more often the 
cause of imperfect manifestations than is the medium. 

Oh, how dense the ignorance of some people regard- 
ing this all important subject! and what a great bar- 
rier to the advancement of truth, justice and happiness 
is this human arrogance, bigotry, injustice and ignor- 
ance as manifested by the learned and the unlearned 
alike ! 

Thankful appreciation and decent treatment should 
be accorded the medium who submits the use of his 
brain, his nervous system, and his physical organ- 
ism entire, if need be, putting aside self-control, 



100 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

closing the door for the time being to his own desires 
— yes, and sometimes surrendering his own conscious- 
ness and placing himself physically and mentally in the 
hands of invisible intelligences. Such sitters may not 
know that the medium's gifts have a higher purpose 
than to please the fancy, or satisfy the curiosity of one 
who is probably a total stranger to him. He may have 
no particular interest in the sitter other than that inter- 
est in a common humanity which every person should 
have for the welfare of his kind. 

At the beginning of the seance the medium does not 
know who will control him. If it should be one who 
had committed some great crime — a suicide, for in- 
stance — the medium may be controlled to personate, 
taking on the condition of the spirit, feeling all the re- 
morse of conscience, shedding bitter tears of regret, 
begging for forgiveness for the wrongs he had done 
while in earth life, and otherwise humiliating the me- 
dium. This is sometimes the case and is a very un- 
pleasant part of a medium's experience ; but it is made 
doubly so by the egotist who publishes to the world — 
ignorantly or otherwise — statements that reflect upon 
the mental ability or moral character of the medium. 
They are as unscientific as they are unjust and untruth- 
ful. We make no reference here to that class of frauds 
who simulate mediumship. 

Investigators may accuse the medium of fraud, as is 
often the case, or they may attempt an explanation of 
the phenomena by attributing them to ''hypnotism," 
''unconscious cerebration," "odic force," "mental tel- 
epathy," "subconscious mind," or some other "scien- 
tific ( ?) explanation" that explains nothing only that 
each one's theory contradicts nearly every other one's 
explanation of the facts. They may mislead those who 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 101 

are ignorant of the real occurrences in these seances, 
as many persons are quite Hkely to accept the theories 
of would-be great men. Of course the poor medium is 
classed as a fraud by these honest people who are 
ignorant of the subject, because they did not know 
what produced the phenomena until the scientist, or 
theologian assumed to discover it. They unwittingly 
class him as a vile imposter, an unmitigated scoundrel 
practicing fraud of the most heinous type. All this 
and much more the medium is made to suffer at the 
hands of these fraudulent sitters who themselves de- 
fraud the public by their false assumptions, vile at- 
tacks, and untrue statements. ''Man's inhumanity to 
man makes countless millions mourn." 

A Medium's Compensation. 

Mediums have sometimes been censured for receiv- 
ing compensation for their services. Usually such cen- 
sure comes from persons who are too penurious to pay 
for services rendered them, or it comes from the oppo- 
nents of Spiritualism who wish to injure the cause by 
such criticism. Mediums spend years of work in get- 
ting their development and education and are thor- 
oughly deserving of the meager compensation they 
receive for the great service they render. As a class 
they are the poorest paid people in any profession; 
especially is this true when the value of the service 
they render is considered. Some mediums are for- 
tunate in receiving a fair compensation for their ser- 
vices, while others are poorly paid indeed. This is true 
of other professions. Ministers of the gospel of Chris- 
tianity sometimes receive as high as fifty dollars or 
more for a sermon, and they spend no more time in 



102 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

preparation for the ministry than mediums have spent 
in theirs. 

Every one should be compensated according to the 
services rendered. The value of the service rendered 
by a medium in placing one in communication with his 
spirit friends is a service for which money cannot com- 
pensate. Material wealth is no equivalent for these 
heavenly blessings. The real compensation the me- 
dium receives for his very valuable services is never 
paid in cash. It consists in knowing that he is serving 
a good cause and dispensing heavenly blessings. He is 
happy in the knowledge that he is doing right and 
doing good. This, together with the words of sincere 
thankfulness and appreciation the medium receives 
from those who appreciate the privilege of holding 
communion with their loved ones, constitutes the real 
compensation the medium receives for his services. 

The Sub-Conscious Mind. 

J. S. Loveland says: *'A dual body implies dual 
consciousness." We prefer to believe that there is but 
one consciousness belonging to each of us, and that 
when it enters the vibration of the spiritual, or etheric 
body, which is enveloped within the physical body, it 
discerns spiritual things. It is then that mediumship 
becomes operative. 

The development of mediumship consists in the un- 
foldment of the spiritual senses. Every muscle of the 
body and every faculty of the mind is strengthened by 
the proper use of mediumship. As the muscles of the 
arm of the blacksmith are developed by proper use, so 
may the spiritual senses receive their unfoldment by 
legitimate use. The improper use of either is danger- 
ous, while their legitimate use is greatly beneficial. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 103 

When the consciousness is confined to the physical 
organism it discerns from the standpoint of material 
things ; but when it enters the higher vibration of the 
spiritual organism it functions upon the spiritual plane 
where it discerns spiritual things. It is the same con- 
sciousness whether functioning upon the physical or 
the spiritual plane. This is a great proven fact of 
Modern Spiritualism. The so-called dead retain their 
consciousness, the only consciousness they -ever pos- 
sessed, and are functioning upon the spiritual plane of 
life after the death of the physical body. 

Therefore the theory of the ''Sub-conscious Mind" 
of Thomson J. Hudson, and other theoretical dream- 
ers, is not an independent entity endowed with all 
knowledge not possessed by the conscious mind, nor 
with so-called occult powers not possessed by the nor- 
mal man. This discovery (?) of a scientist, like many 
others coming from similar sources, passes away under 
the light of true science, as the dews and fogs of the 
morning disappear before the penetrating light of the 
rising sun. 

Science and Mediumship. 

Modern Spiritualism accepts truth rather than rev- 
elation for its authority. It follows wherever truth 
leads; consequently it is in perfect accord with true 
science. It has solved many hitherto unsolved prob- 
lems. It has opened a new field of investigation and 
research for the scientists. With its wonderful revela- 
tion of the future life, its important facts concerning 
spiritual things, and its development of man's spiritual 
faculties, it becomes of great assistance to true science. 
It also originated the first and only rational and sys- 
tematic method of communication with spirits, and 



104 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

many scientists are now using this method. Neither 
SpirituaHsm nor science has thus far explained all of 
the mysteries and wonders of the human mind, though 
enough has been discovered to indicate that there is 
probably no limit to its possibilities. 

Though material science ignores Spiritualism, yet 
Spiritualists and their mediums, with their discoveries, 
are driving the material scientist to consider its claims. 
The discovery of the X-rays, wireless telegraphy, etc., 
is leading them up to it . Clairvoyance, Tel- 
epathy, and the other phases of mediumship are cer- 
tainly demonstrating its truth in every country. 
Through the great work accomplished by our mediums 
many material scientists have been convinced and con- 
verted to its truth. Psychical Research societies have 
been organized by scientists, and through mediums its 
members have been converted. The reports of these 
societies have set the w^orld to investigating. 

Mediums are seldom given credit for the facts ob- 
tamed in this scientific research; but many scientists 
and others seem inclined to claim for themselves the 
honor and glory of these discoveries, ignoring the me- 
dium's explanation of the facts, and sometimes ignor- 
ing the medium entirely, when the fact is that without 
the medium, neither scientists, nor any one else, would 
know anything about the subject. 

Mediums as a class have been mistrusted, maligned, 
misrepresented and condemned as deceivers, frauds, 
etc. Malicious falsehoods have been issued against 
their characters by unscrupulous opposers; me- 
diums have experienced all the suffering. They have 
received, at the hands of many men whom they have 
blessed, little or no public recognition, and very little 
encouragement or appreciation. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 105 

Under all circumstances and at all times, let it be 
remembered that in the consideration of the subject of 
Spiritualism, mediums are first. They are first in the 
knowledge of its truth; first to receive the spirit mes- 
sage ; closest to the spirit world and to the loved arisen 
friends; first to understand the methods of communi- 
cation and the necessary conditions for their transmis- 
sion. 

It is the medium who sees the spirit-friends, hears 
their voices, feels their presence, knows their thoughts, 
desires and feelings. All the rest of the world must 
take the spirit message received by the medium, sec- 
ond hand, or not at all. The medium is the one who 
knows. 

All this being true, should they still be ignored and 
given second place or none at all, as has been the cus- 
tom ? or should there be accorded them the right hand 
of fellowship, and their beautiful gifts recognized and 
appreciated ? 

Mediums are self-sacrificing advocates of an unpop- 
ular cause. Like Paul and Jesus, many mediums of 
today leave home and friends, going out into the world 
among strangers, sacrificing the comforts of home life 
and the associations of friends to become wanderers 
on the face of the earth. Some of them could at times 
truly say, they have not where to lay their heads. 
May justice be done to mediums and their lives be 
made brighter. 

Bad Habits Cured by Spirit Power. 

In our travels we have met many people who have 
been cured of bad habits by the aid of spirits. We 
know people who have been cured of the drink habit, 
becoming sober men and good citizens after having 



106 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

gone to the lowest condition of a drunkard. We are 
personally acquainted with those who have become 
slaves to the morphine habit and have lost everything 
— property, business, friends and health — and have be- 
come pitiable human wrecks, who were taken by Spir- 
itualists to their seances, where the spirits removed 
their appetites for the drug and the patients were per- 
manently cured of the terrible habit, regaining their 
manhood, self-control, and proper place in life. 

We have several friends who have been freed from 
the slavery of the tobacco habit by spirit power, and 
we have met many who have become clean, whole- 
some, and healthy men, by spirits having removed their 
appetites for the filthy weed. Personally, the author 
was freed from the habit of using tobacco, for which 
he is thankful to the spirit friends every day of his 
life. The following is a brief statement of the facts in 
the case: 

Cured of the Tobacco Habit. 

The author of this book was thirty-four years old 
when the spirit friends first placed him in the trance 
state. He had used tobacco twenty years and had 
tried many times to free himself from the habit, but 
his efforts always resulted in failure. 

One evening soon after E. V. Wilson had become 
one of his spirit teachers and helpers, while control- 
ling him, Mrs. Sprague asked him if he could not cure 
the medium of the tobacco habit. His reply was as fol- 
lows : ''Yes, lady, we can cure him and we will do so 
when the right time comes. The development of me- 
diumship is at first somewhat exhausting to the ner- 
vous system. Tobacco is a stimulant and it would 
somewhat weaken the forces to withhold its use ; con- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 107 

sequently'it would in some degree retard the develop- 
ment of his mediumship. After he has reached a cer- 
tain stage of development it will do no harm, and we 
will then remove the appetite and he will be free from 
the pernicious habit/' 

It was expected he would be cured in a few months, 
but this did not prove to be the case. IMore than six 
years passed by, and the author's development con- 
tinued. The spirit friends said no more about curing 
him until on the morning of June 6, 1887, as he awoke 
from sleep, he heard the voice of the spirit E. V. Wil- 
son saying, ''You will use no tobacco today, my lad." 
The author took his tobacco from his pocket and put 
it away. Later, as he arose from the breakfast table, 
instinctively his hand moved towards his pocket — 
where it was his custom to carry his tobacco — when 
instantly E. \'. Wilson controlled him with wonderful 
power. Every nerve and muscle seemed drawn to the 
tightest tension, the jaws were set, his hands clenched, 
and the well known voice of his spirit helper spoke to 
him in a strong and emphatic manner, saying, ''No, 
sir!" Immediately the medium's muscles relaxed and 
he was free from the influence. This condition lasted 
probably not more than thirty seconds. During the 
day this experience was repeated perhaps a half dozen 
times. 

On the following morning, June 7th, the author was 
awakened by the kindly voice of this same spirit 
friend, saying to him in the same decided tone as be- 
fore, ''You will never use any more tobacco, my lad.'* 
During this day the desire for tobacco came to him but 
two or three times, and each time the experience of 
the day before came and took it away. The desire for 
tobacco disappeared there and then, and has never re- 



108 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

turned to him, though twenty-five years have passed 
since this modern miracle (?) was performed. 

He had tried many times to free himself of the 
habit, and had prayed to have it removed. He had 
even declared that he would never use it again. All 
this he had done to rid himself of this filthy, relentless 
and ever present demon that haunted his daily life, but 
all his efforts were as naught until the spirit friends 
interceded and he was made free. 

Today his thankfulness goes out to those dear ones 
under whose guiding care he has walked in the light of 
spiritual truth receiving its blessings for thirty years 
and more. Twenty-five of these fruitful years his 
body and soul have been unpolluted by the use of to- 
bacco. This is another proof that mediumship is a 
povverful factor for good when properly used. 

If one who is mediumistic desires to get rid of any 
bad habit, and earnestly prays to his spirit friends for 
help to do so, and concentrates his mind upon it, de- 
termining to succeed, he will certainly receive spirit 
assistance. If he holds the thought, continues to 
aspire for it, and wills it continually, he is almost sure 
to be relieved of the desire for it. When the desire is 
gone he is cured. 

Sometimes the appetite or desire is taken away at 
once, and sometimes it requires time. Perseverence 
on the part of the patient will certainly bring success. 

Dark Circles. 
The following question is often asked, ^'Why do 
Spiritualists hold dark circles?" and we may ask, 
Why do opposers of Spiritualism make a great hand- 
ling of this subject in their frenzied and hopeless strug- 
gle to destroy Spiritualism and overthrow its teach- 
ings ? In reply to the question, we will say : 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 109 

Negative conditions are often necessary for the pro- 
duction of phenomena. Light is positive, darkness is 
negative. In the production of certain spirit phe- 
nomena darkness is helpful if not entirely necessary. 
We are told that the productions of the earth all re- 
quire the negative conditions of night, the same as they 
require the positive condition of the sun and daylight. 
Spiritualists not having made the laws governing phe- 
nomena should not be blamed if they, like other peo- 
ple, must become subject to them. The law must be 
obeyed in every realm of nature or nothing is accom- 
plished. 

Human beings are materialized spirits, nothing m.ore 
nothing less. They are spirits inhabiting a m^aterial- 
ized body, and every one of them held a dark seance 
before his materialized body could appear in the light. 
Nearly everything that has life on this planet first held 
a dark seance before materializing to viev/. This be- 
ing nature's law, it can readily be seen, by those who 
wish to see, that nature produces one materialization 
with the same grace and ease as another. She ma- 
terializes the spirit of one who has died as easily as 
she produces a head of wheat from a kernel that has 
died and its body gone to decay. 

The materialization of a flower, an ear of corn, a 
bird, a horse, or a man are all mysteries which we can 
not explain. Our lack of ability to explain why dark- 
ness is necessary in every such case, does not disprove 
the fact of their appearance among us ; nor does it 
prove that such seances are humbugs or frauds. 
Neither does our ignorance of the first cause which 
produces the materialization of a spirit at a Spiritualist 
seance disprove the fact that such phenomena do oc- 

8 



110 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

cur. All are subject to law and must submit to its 
rulings. 

As a vile word may destroy the happiness of a large 
gathering of harmonious people; as a magnet placed 
near the mariner's compass may influence the needle, 
change the course of the ship, and cause its wreck upon 
the rocks, so a ray of light admitted into the dark 
seance room may ruin the conditions necessary for the 
production of spirit phenomena. But very few phases 
of mediumship require absolute darkness. More phe- 
nomena are produced in light than in darkness. 

Many mediums are sitting in dark seances to develop 
mental phases of mediumship. This is a great mistake. 
All mental phases of mediumship may be developed 
more rapidly and better in light than in darkness. 
Many mediums are sitting in dark circles for develop- 
ment of physical mediumship who will never develop 
those phases, but who could, by making proper condi- 
tions and sitting in the light, develop the mental phases. 

Mediums seeking development should ascertain 
through personal experiences, by sitting in both light 
and dark circles, which condition is best for them and 
for their development. A soft mellow light is better 
for the eyes and much better than darkness for the de- 
velopment of all mental phases of mediumship. 

The phenomena recorded in scripture and called 
miracles by Christians were principally produced in 
darkness. The dark seances of the Christian Bible far 
outnumber the light seances recorded there. In this 
matter the world has greatly progressed since those 
ancient days. More than ninety per cent of the spir- 
itual phenomena of today are given in the light. Prog- 
ress is shown in this. The law of evolution prevails 
throughout the earth and the heavens. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. Ill 

CHAPTER VI. 
Indian Spirits as Controls. 
The Indian Hunter. 

BY ELIZA COOK. 

Oh! Why does the white man follow my path, 

Like a hound on the tiger's track? 
Does the flush on my dark cheek waken his wrath — 

Does he covet the bow at my back? 

He has rivers and seas, where the billows and breeze 

Bear riches for him alone; 
And the sons of the wood never plunge in the flood 

Which the white man calls his own. 

Why, then, should he come to the streams where none 

But the red man dares to swim ? 
Why, why should he wrong the hunter — one 

Who never did harm to him ? 

The father above thought fit to give 

The white man corn and wine ; 
There are golden fields where he may live, 

But the forest shades are mine. 

The eagle hath its place of rest ; 

The wild horse where to dwell ; 
And the spirit that gave the bird its nest. 

Made me a home as well. 

Then back ! go back from the red man's track, 

For the hunter's eyes grow dim ; 
To find that the white man wrongs the one 

Who never did harm to him. 



112 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

The spirits of the North American Indians fill a 
very important place in mediumship and Spirtualism 
in America. They are faithful, honest, loving, and 
kind. They bring a healing power unequaled by the 
spirits of any other people. Nearly all Indian spirit 
guides are those who lived here before the Indians 
were contaminated by the influence of the civilized (?) 
white man. 

These undefiled and noble red men lived nearer to 
nature and obeyed her laws better than we do now. 
They lived a free and natural life in the open air. 
They did not ruin their physical bodies by overwork, 
over-indulgence, etc. They knew not the use of whis- 
key, morphine, and other poisonous drugs that are so 
ruinous to the health. Their food was plain and simple. 
They ate when hungry, not at intervals marked by the 
clock nor at mid-night as is our custom at social and 
other gatherings. Their food consisted of but one or 
two kinds at each meal. Twelve-course dinners were 
unknown to them. As a result of the natural lives 
these Aborigines lived, they developed the finest phy- 
siques. They were tall, straight, agile and athletic. They 
were free-born American citizens. They were nat- 
urally religious; they worshiped the "Great Spirit," 
and believed in a natural spirit-v/ofld called the "Happy 
Hunting Grounds.'' They sav/ and communicated with 
spirits; received spirit manifestations of a physical 
nature, and were, in their crude and undeveloped way, 
Spiritualists. They were not mentally shrouded in the 
gloom of the doctrines of "eternal punishment," "total 
depravity," "a physical ressurection," etc., nor were 
they hampered by a belief in "three gods in one," 
"atonement by blood," "salvation through faith," and 
the other inconsistencies of the creeds of the religions 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 113 

of our boasted civilization that drive white men in- 
sane, weaken their intellects, and drown their reason. 

The North American Indians when first discovered 
by the white men, and before they were polluted by 
the civilizing (?) influences of whiskey, gun-powder, 
and vile diseases, w^ere ''pure in heart and sound in 
head." 

Their religion was simple and natural, as were their 
modes of life. Their living so near to nature, and be- 
lieving in spirit return as they did before entering 
spirit life, becomes a great help to them in using na- 
ture's laws to return to us from the "happy hunting 
grounds," which they now inhabit. They gladly teach 
us the great truths their experience in that realm has 
taught them, and they possess the wonderful ability of 
preparing the way for our less fortunate white people 
to return and communicate through mediums. 

These noble spirits of the red men always bring a 
strong and helpful magnetic influence to the medium, 
permeating his system with the life forces that build 
up the physical body and lend vigor to the mentality. 

Whoever heard of an Indian spirit's bringing upon 
a medium the physical conditions caused by the illness 
with vhich he passed away? 

In the thirty years of experience as a medium and 
constant worker in the movement of Modern Spirit- 
ualism, we have never known of such a case. Further- 
more, v.e have never known of an Indian Spirit's giv- 
ing a false communication or misrepresenting a single 
fact. Indian spirits are among the most truthful, loyal 
and helpful healers, teachers, and guides of mediums 
that come to bless the world. They are almost indis- 
pensable in the work of the development of medium- 
ship. 



114 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

We have never known a medium who was too proud 
or aristocratic to allows Indian Spirits to control him, 
w^ho made a success in the development of medium- 
ship. We are personally acquainted with many w^ho 
have derived the greatest benefit in health of body and 
mind, and in mediumistic development through the aid 
of the spirits of these much abused, greatly despised, 
and shamefully wTonged people. Though the white 
man has robbed them of their homes, cheated them out 
of their hunting grounds, and driven them back far- 
ther and farther as civilization progressed, nearly an- 
nihilating them from the face of the earth, as they 
have annihilated their mighty herds of Buffalo that 
once roamed the western plains, yet those dear Indian 
spirits return to our seances bringing innumerable 
blessings to our mediums and to those to whom they 
minister. May heaven bless our dear Indian spirits, 
as well as all other noble and true spirit helpers, who 
are doing so much to enlighten the children of earth 
and make the world better. 

Many Mediums Begin Public Work Too Soon. 

There are many cases in which mediums have en- 
tered the field of public work before they were well 
equipped for it. They should have continued their 
development until they were more fully prepared for 
the work. 

We recall a case in which one of Mrs. Sprague's 
converts, who, after her conversion to Spiritualism, de- 
veloped mediumship very rapidly, became a healer, 
gave private readings and circles, and after a brief 
time she was posing as a platform test medium, com- 
ing into prominence at once. Later, we were in- 
formed, she proved a failure as a platform test me- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 115 

dium, disappointing those who employed her. She 
then ceased to receive engagements, and finally de- 
serted the Spiritualist ranks entirely, giving up the 
practice of her mediumship and dropping out of sight. 
Subsequently we w^re informed that she had rejoined 
the Christian church and came out as a Divine 
Healer, thus uniting with those of her own class of 
half developed apostates. 

The foregoing brief story of one medium who en- 
tered public work before being sufficiently developed 
is similar to that of many more of the same class. 

We are always sorry for mediums who undertake 
to do more than they are qualified to do. Here are two 
extremes : Some mediums are lacking in confidence 
and retard their own development through fear of 
making a mistake. Others have too much self-confi- 
dence, accepting their own imaginary ideas as spirit 
impressions which, of course, must lead to disaster. 

The former bars the medium's development by with- 
holding the spirit message for fear it may not be rec- 
ognized; while the latter, using little or no discretion, 
innocently accepting his own thoughts as spirit impres- 
sions, soon finds himself in trouble. 

Every medium while developing, and every Spirit- 
ualist and investigator, should learn that mediums 
make these mistakes innocently, and that they should 
not be censured therefor. Mediums should learn to 
give out whatever seems to them to come from spirits, 
and these impressions should be accepted, not as infal- 
lible truth, but as possibly erroneous, though they 
usually prove to be absolutely true. 

A medium may overestimate the powers of the spirit 
operating through his organism, because of the won- 
derful revelations he has received through his own 



116 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

mediumship ; yet it is not possible for anyone to draw 
the line as to the possibilities of the communicating 
spirits. 

The medium learns through the practice of his me- 
diumship to distinguish between the action of his own 
mind and spirit impressions, and this constitutes a 
part of his mediumistic development. The best devel- 
oped mediums are at times bothered to distinguish 
between their own minds and the impressions of the 
spirit, especially when conditions are unfavorable. 
They are very much better qualified to do so than one 
who has had but little experience. 

One who stands upon the public rostrum as a test 
medium, or holds public seances, must through prac- 
tice learn how to become passive to the influence of 
spirit-friends, and positive to his audience. Impossi- 
ble as this may seem to one who is inexperienced, it is 
nevertheless sometimes the case, and it shows how per- 
fectly at sea an undeveloped medium becomes who at- 
tempts such work. It is suicidal to one's mediumistic 
development to enter the public work too soon. Every 
medium should make haste slowly in this matter. 

Mediums are usually not so much to blame for this 
indiscretion as are their friends and admirers, who 
often unwittingly urge them to take up the public 
work. The remedy for all the trouble caused by this 
inadvertency is simple and sure. Give the dear me- 
diums time for better development before inviting 
them to assume the great task and responsibility of at- 
tempting public demonstrations. 

In his own case, the author gave private readings 
and public seances for about eight years before at- 
tempting to give public platform tests and messages, 
and then it was not he who did it. He was speaking 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 117 

for the Jamestown, N. Y., Spiritual Society, which we 
organized. One evening v/hile the author was en- 
tranced by the spirit of E. V. Wilson and delivering 
a lecture, he made the statement that when our friends 
move away to some distant part of the country and we 
do not hear from them often, we are greatly pleased 
to get a letter or other communication from them. To 
illustrate this point he said: 'There is a spirit lady 
present who wishes to send home a communication. 
She has been gone nearly ten years, she says, and she 
seems very anxious to reach her son, who sits right 
over there" (pointing to a gentleman in the audience). 
''She says, she passed away at the age of sixty-two 
years. Her disease v/as tuberculosis of the lungs ; 
that you, sir, (the gentleman referred to) vv^ere hold- 
ing her head in your arms when she breathed her last ; 
and she comes with a message of love and thankful- 
ness to you and your good wife for the tenderness and 
patience with which you cared for her in her last ill- 
ness." 

Much more was given in this spirit message. Tlic 
gentleman acknowledged the test as correct, and the 
author had begun his work as a platform test medium. 
From that day he followed nearly all of his lectures 
with platform tests and messages. 

His eight years of private work and of public speak- 
ing had prepared him for the work of a platform test 
medium, and the spirit friends decided the time when 
he was sufficiently developed for the work. He had 
nothing to do with it. He had no mind about it, 
though he was delighted when he was called to fill that 
all-important position in the work of Modern Spirit- 
ualism. 

Mrs. Sprague was still longer in her preparation for 



118 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

platform work, and was placed there without a single 
effort on her part. No one could be more surprised 
than she was, when, after nearly ten years of service 
as a medium for private readings and seances, she re- 
ceived a program of the Maple Dell Spiritualist Camp 
meeting to be held at Mantua, Ohio, and found in it 
her own portrait by the side of the author's, and the 
announcement that she would give two lectures and 
follow them with clairvoyant descriptions, spirit mes- 
sages and tests. She responded to this call, was suc- 
cessful, and has continued ever since to fill the impor- 
tant place of speaker and platform test medium in 
addition to her private work as a medium. 

To Our Mediums. 

You are selected by the angels of heaven to fulfil 
the most important mission allotted to mankind. Be 
not in a hurry; take everything calmly; keep serene 
and push ahead in your development. When you are 
thoroughly and well qualified, duly and truly prepared, 
the way will be opened for you, and your w^ork will 
be such as shall cause your old friends to be proud of 
you. The multitudes of your new-found friends will 
bless your very name, while angels will rejoice with us 
all because of your success. 

Mediums Should Cultivate Self Control and Self 
Reliance. 

They should not submit to the control of spirits at 
all times and in all places. They should cultivate self- 
control and learn to keep an even mind at all times, 
and under all circumstances. They should learn at 
the outset of their development that the spirits are 
only people who once inhabited physical bodies in this 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 119 

life, the same as we are now doing; that they have 
learned more than we have learned, because they have 
experienced the change from the visible to the spiritual 
world. They are not infallible, nor should they be- 
come anything more than teachers, advisers, compan- 
ions, helpers and friends to mediums. 

Wise spirits never become arbitrary, dictatory, 
domineering controls. They always seek to develop a 
strong individuality in their mediums, and open ave- 
nues of knowledge to the students of Spiritual Philoso- 
phy and point the way to its great truths. They give 
advice, and in various ways lend assistance to the 
medium in his efforts to learn and instruct others, 
always allowing and insisting upon the medium's and 
the student's placing their own interpretation on every 
lesson, theory, or fact of spiritual science taught. 

Like attracts like, and a medium when developed 
may be controlled by a certain spirit, or he may not be, 
just as he wills it to be. No spirit can control a me- 
dium without his consent, or against his will. 

If the medium has sufficient will to refuse, the spirit 
is helpless to control. The medium should decide who 
shall be allowed to control him and who shall not. 

The medium may choose his spirit controls from 
among those who may come to him, or he may refuse 
to be controlled by any of them, just as the hypnotic 
subject may give himself over to the control of any 
hypnotist, or refuse to become subject to any of them. 
This being true, the medium may become a student of 
his choice of spirit teachers, the same as he may select 
his school teachers in this life. 

The proper use of mediumship strengthens the will- 
power and develops the individuality of its possessor. 
The character of the medium will determine the class 



120 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

of spirit intelligence that he will attract to himself. If 
his desires^ aspirations, and practices in life are of an 
exalted nature ; if he seeks to be noble, true and pro- 
gressive, he will attract those who v/ill assist him in 
his desires. ^'Like attracts like'' in the sphere of me- 
diumship. A medium may easily learn the character 
of his controls (''by their works ye shall know them"). 
He may reject one and accept another, as he pleases. 

The belief that the medium is a helpless nonentity 
in the hands of a spirit hypnotist, or a hypnotist in 
the m.ortal form, is a very unfortunate error. It is 
dangerous to teach it to mediums as it produces a bad 
suggestion, v/hich is often fatal to the development of 
good and valuable mediumship. 

It is a settled fact with us that no operator can con- 
trol an intelligent subject against his will. The sub- 
ject must allow himself to be controlled or the oper- 
ator fails. 

The following statements of Dr. La Motte Sage 
emibody a number of valuable facts which every me- 
dium and Spiritualist, as well as every honest opponent 
of spirit mediumship may study with profit. He is 
quoted as follows : 

1. ''No one can be hypnotized against his will." 

2. ''No one can be hypnotized unless he complies 
with certain conditions, and does his part to bring 
about that state." 

3. "Anyone who is hypnotized may have done 
more himself to induce the state than the operator has 
done." 

4. "The hypnotist possesses no special power, nor 
can he gain permanent control over anyone or absolute 
control even temporarily, without the subject's con- 
sent." 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 121 

5. ''To be hypnotized in no respect shows a weak- 
ness, nor is the condition in any sense a pathological 
one. 

6. ''Hypnotism of itself is absolutely free from 
harm." 

This expresses our views on the subject. \\'e 
thoroughly believe these statements are true ; and 
if they are true, the developed medium is safe, the 
dangers of mediumship, the teachings of the doctrines 
of "obsession," with all of their supposed horrors dis- 
appear and fade into oblivion. Believers in such dog- 
mas and errors should awaken to the beauty, safety 
and great value of well developed mediumship. 

Mediums Should Demand Their Own Conditions. 

Mediums should develop sufficient independence to 
assert their rights, and compel investigators to comply 
with the rules of the seance room and all conditions 
necessary for good results. Investigators should not 
attempt to dictate as to the conditions for the seances, 
and one persisting in so doing should be invited to 
retire from the circle at once. 

Mediums should be provided for so they would not 
need to worry about, or struggle for a living. They 
should not be obliged to give readings for any person 
who is repulsive to them. No one but a medium for 
public work knows the humiliation these sensitives 
endure in consequence of the ignorance and lack of 
spirituality of some of their patrons. 

Mediums should not be obliged to give readings 
when they are not well, or when not in the proper 
mood. When the rent is due, or the children need 
clothes, or the grocer's bill must be paid, the poor 
soul, through actual need, is goaded on to misuse her 



122 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

sacred gifts in the endeavor to satisfy the sitter and 
earn the dollar necessary to keep her little family to- 
gether. 

May God, angels and men, pity the poor medium 
who must give readings when her soul revolts at the 
condition her sitter brings, or when the laws of health 
demand rest for her tired nerves. 

Mediums' Guides Assist Other Spirits. 

In many instances mediums' guides act as spirit 
messengers, giving the messages for other spirits who 
wish to communicate. 

All spirits are not able to communicate through one 
particular medium. Many spirits know little or noth- 
ing about the laws of spirit control, and could not 
communicate without assistance. In such cases mis- 
takes are sometimes made in the transmission of the 
message, the same as occurs in this life when a tele- 
graph operator errs in the transmission of a telegram. 
Allowances should always be made for possible er- 
rors in spirit messages. 

Work of a Medium's Spirit Band. 

In the development of a medium, the wisest of 
spirit attendants are often obliged to experiment in 
order to learn what mediumistic qualities their sub- 
ject possesses, and to know the best way to unfold 
those latent powers. After this has been determined, 
different spirits who possess particular phases of med- 
iumship are each placed in charge of that particular 
phase to be developed in the medium. 

A spirit who has good clairvoyant power may be 
assigned to the work of the development of the med- 
ium's clairvoyance. A spirit who possesses great 
healing power is assigned to the care of the medium's 
health, and to the development of his powers of heal- 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 123 

ing. A spirit who has poetical genius may become 
the medium's poetical inspirer, helping him in the de- 
velopment of that mediumistic faculty, as well as in 
clothing the messages of other communicating spirits 
in poetical language. A spirit who possesses the med- 
iumistic qualities and development for the physical 
phase of mediumship may be assigned to the unfold- 
ment of these particular powers of the medium, and' 
this may continue until competent spirit-guides are 
in charge of all the mediumistic qualities to be devel- 
oped in the medium. 

The spirit band becomes organized with a leader, 
all of them working together in harmony and to the 
best advantage for the preparation of the medium for 
his work. When he is sufficiently developed, they 
work with him and through him in proving a future 
life and teaching the science, philosophy, and religion 
of Spiritualism. 

There are many things to be learned in studying 
this department of Modern Spiritualism. A spirit may 
possess great clairvoyant powers, and the medium 
may have developed that gift also, but if the spiritual 
forces of the spirit and the magnetic forces of the 
medium do not harmonize and blend freely, the best 
results are not obtained. The same law governs every 
other phase of mediumship. Therefore, it is plain to 
be seen that the spirit guardians need to learn by ex- 
perience what spirit is best adapted to co-operate with 
the medium in the practice of each phase of his 
mediumship. 

The development of any one of these spiritual fac- 
ulties requires study, experiment and practice, as well 
as patience and perseverance on the part of the spirit 
teachers. When the medium heartily participates in 



124 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

the work, placing confidence and trust in the spirit 
teachers, the development is more rapid, the mani- 
festations more perfect, and the results better. 

Each one of the spirit helpers may possess other 
phases of mediumship besides the one assigned to 
him in any particular case. One who has healing 
powxr may also be clairvoyant in a greater or less de- 
gree, or he may possess physical mediumship to some 
extent, and he may use these pov/ers at times in con- 
junction with the practice of the phase assigned to 
him. 

In the author's case ''Old Doctor," an Indian spirit, 
uses him to diagnose disease more successfully than 
any other member of his band. While other mem- 
bers cause him to see clairvoyantly at times. 

Lotunda Modjeska, a French-Italian artist, controls 
him to read character as do some other spirit guides. 

Andrew Payn, an Episcopal minister w^hen in earth 
life, improvises and sometimes writes verse through 
his hand. It is seldom that any other spirit attempts 
this intricate task, and probably because of the med- 
ium's poetical faculties being so poorly developed, and 
the little prospect for their improvement in this life. 
This spirit also inspires or controls the medium to 
lecture at times. 

E. V. Wilson, who was selected as leader of the 
author's spirit band, uses his powers in various ways 
to assist in the work, but principally in inspiring or 
controlling the medium in public speaking and in giv- 
ing spirit messages and tests to public audiences and 
elsewhere. Thus the workers are organized, and the 
work properly systematized and successfully carried 
on. 

Experience is the best of teachers, and the author's 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 125 

oft repeated reference to his own mediumistic exper- 
iences may be pardoned by the reader as he uses these 
substantial facts and personal proofs instead of hear- 
say evidence, or vague theories in substantiating his 
claims. Actual personal experiences and positive 
demonstrated facts are of the greatest value as com- 
pared with hearsay evidence and far-fetched theories 
based largely upon guess work. 

The medium knoivs what others may believe, and 
consequently is better qualified to discuss matters per- 
taining to mediumship and Spiritualism. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Advice and Teachings of Spirits Beautiful. 

In the thirty years of our almost daily intercourse 
with the spirits of the departed, through our own 
mediumship as well as that of many others, we have 
never received a message or heard one given that ad- 
vised anyone to do wrong. They always teach that 
if we would be happy we must be good and do good ; 
that true happiness lies in making others happy. Their 
teachings are elevating, consoling, and helpful. Their 
words of comfort to the dying are: 'Tear not, death 
is not a calamity, but is the greatest of blessings. It 
reunites you with the darlings gone before." The 
spirit comforts the living mourners with the assur- 
ance that their darlings are not dead, nor sleeping; 



126 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

that they have not gone far away, but are often near 
them. 

Certainly such teachings, do not emanate from 
"evil spirits," as the Catholic and some of the Protes- 
tant Churches, Theosophic societies, and other grossly 
unjust and unreasonable opponents of Modern Spirit- 
ualism would have the world believe. 

The simple though elevating fact that spirits always 
teach us to be good, and do good, never advising us 
to do evil, or commit a wrong, is proof positive that 
they are not ''evil spirits" or "fallen angels." If it 
were "the devil," who is teaching the people of this 
world to be good and do good, he would be tearing 
down his own kingdom. 

Fear not, dear mediums, there is little danger of 
"evil spirits" from beyond the grave causing you in- 
jury. There is infinitely more danger of evil spirits 
in the flesh making you trouble. Some of them may 
be found among those who are seeking to get laws 
passed in the legislatures prohibiting you from prac- 
ticing your divine gifts. Others may be found among 
those who seek to destroy your religion by having you 
arrested, fined and imprisoned ; other still, by circu- 
lating false and slanderous reports about you, etc. 
Knowing that these evil disposed or ignorant spirits 
exist on this plane of life, we can meet and educate 
them to a higher sphere of understanding, converting 
them into good spirits, as Spiritualists have done and 
are still doing to thousands. 

Dear mediums, continue faithful in the good work. 
Court beautiful spiritual mediumship. Trust your 
spirit helpers. Seek to bless the world with your 
powers, and fear not. Stand by one another and the 
cause of Modern Spiritualism. A just reward will 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 127 

come to the truly good, and you will be greatly blessed 
in the work of the angels. 

Mission of Mediumship. 

There are many honorable callings in which men 
labor, and each one who labors to improve the condi- 
tion of himself and others is entitled to a goodly share 
of honor and appreciation. Whoever seeks to be of 
benefit to mankind is filling a useful place in society 
and in some measure blessing his kind. 

There are different kinds of labor and various ways 
of working for the upliftment of humanity. Great 
men in many walks of life have filled their niche in 
assisting the progress of the world. There are noble- 
men in all professions, as well as among the unpro- 
fessional. One may fill a very important position and 
hardly become recognized by the world. The man 
who fires the boilers that generate the steam that runs 
the engine that pumps the water to the many homes 
of this city, is filling just as important a position as is 
the president of the Water Commission. The most 
obscure one of our workers may be doing as much 
or even more than some other one whose name and 
fame may have encompassed the earth. It is true that 
the janitor of a building, though he may not be med- 
iumistic even, is a medium or an instrument necessary 
to the success of the meetings held therein. 

We are often told by good and earnest people that 
they would be happy if they could only speak in pub- 
lic, give tests, improvise poetry, or anything else to 
help along the cause of Spiritualism. To such we will 
say: You can do something to help the cause even 
if you cannot preach or give a test. You can enter- 
tain a medium, cook his meals, make his bed, arrange 



128 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP 

for meetings, etc., and thus you become a medium as- 
sisting the spirit world to carry on the great work of 
Modern Spiritualism. 

It is different, however, with one who is called to 
expound from the pulpit or public rostrum its truth, 
or to demonstrate it through mediumship. Great 
responsibilities rest upon such mediums. Some people 
look upon them as veritable saints and expect them 
to live up to their idea of saintship ; while others who 
are ignorant or undeveloped look upon them as the 
vilest imposters. So it is that mediums and other 
advocates of the truths of Modern Spiritualism, like 
the teachers of all new and advanced religions, must 
meet the unjust criticisms and other malignant attacks 
of the ignorant and uninformed opposers. This fact 
necessitates their walking in the straight and narrow 
path. The beautiful mission of mediumship is the 
greatest of all missions, and the labors of all true de- 
voted mediums should be most sacredly prized and 
carefully utilized. 

It is a sacred calling that permits one to assuage 
another's grief and sorrow. It is doubly so when one 
can become an instrument to be used by an angel to 
communicate with his loved ones of earth. To become 
a medium through whom a so-called "dead'' friend 
may return and speak to his loved ones in distress of 
soul, awaking them to the consciousness of their con- 
tinued existence, and telling of their undying love, is 
the sweetest gift of God to man. 

A Little Kindly Advice. 

Fellow mediums, be true and loyal to your heaven 
born gifts ; walk uprightly ; think only good thoughts ; 
aspire to receive the good, pray for it, strive for it. 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT. 129 

trusting always in those who guide you, and you will 
receive blessings in great abundance. 

Spiritualists and investigators, when you enter the 
seance room, be cheerful, be honest, never trying to 
deceive the medium by using intrigue, but always 
aspiring for the good, the true, the spiritual. Let the 
heartfelt aspiration to communicate with your beloved 
spirit-friends dominate your thoughts. Let no doubts, 
or thoughts of evil enter your minds, but trustingly 
crave a crumb of comfort, a word of wisdom, a little 
kindly advice and sweet communion with your spirit 
friends. It is with these conditions that success is 
attained. 

All Need Friends. 

To have friends, one must make them by being 
friendly. If we would be loved, we must become 
lovely ourselves. 

Self Control. 

The proper development of mediumship increases 
the power of all the other faculties. A person who is 
mediumistic is sensitive, and subject to extreme suf- 
fering and great enjoyment. If he is not self poised, 
his enjoyment may lead to excesses, and his suffering 
may be increased and intensified almost beyond en- 
durance. To learn to control one's self is a great 
accomplishment, and yet it becomes an easy task when 
we resolve to do it. If we will it, and constantly 
strive for it, we make the needed conditions for the 
assistance of our spirit friends, and the more medium- 
istic we are the more assistance we will receive. 

In developing mediumship one should learn to con- 
trol himself at all times excepting when desiring spirit 



130 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP — 

control. At such times he should freely receive the 
spirit influence without fear or doubting. 

Dear mediums, you have been selected to fill the 
grandest mission vouchsafed to the people of this life. 
Prize your powers highly, and love one another as 
your spirit teachers love you. In doing so you will 
make your own pathways bright and beautiful, and 
you will bless those with whom you associate. Heav- 
en is indeed blessing you. 

To the Reader. 

Now that we have recorded these facts, and made 
plain the conditions necessary for the production of 
Spirit Phenomena, the author would explain his posi- 
tion regarding them. The phenomena of SpirituaHsm 
of ancient and modern times are natural phenomena. 
They were, and are now, governed by natural law. 
Therefore they should not be classed as miracles, as 
the Christian Church has denominated those of the 
Bible. 

Spirit Phenomena of the physical and mental phases 
constitute the only absolute proof of a life after death 
that mortal man has ever received. They constitute 
the fundamental principles upon which every religion 
is founded, and in this fact every religion has a sub- 
stantial basis of truth. Men after witnessing these 
phenomena, at different times, in different ages, have 
interpreted them in different ways, according to their 
ability, or lack of ability, both of which are clearly to 
be seen in the creeds of the many different religions 
of the world. 

Spirit Phenomena are as beautiful and sacred, as 
they are necessary for the enlightenment of mankind, 
although they are but the stepping stones to higher 



HOW TO DEVELOP IT, 131 

conditions. They constitute the base of a great struc- 
ture, — the foundation upon which is built the most 
beautiful, uplifting and inspiring Spiritual Philosophy 
■ — the only truly scientific and natural religion. 

As much as we love the phenomena of Spiritualism, 
in its many wonderful and beautiful phases, we could 
not be content with it alone and seek no farther. In 
short, we have traced the phenomena to the cause pro- 
ducing them, and they have brought us in touch with 
spiritual beings who possess the knowledge that all 
people of this world sorely need. These beloved spir- 
its have taught us many truths, which are embodied in 
Spiritual Science. This Spiritual Science constitutes 
our religion. What we have learned of it appeals to 
our soul's highest and holiest aspirations. The more 
we learn of it the happier we become. The more we 
receive of it, the more of heaven we enjoy. The 
author being a medium himself it becomes his daily 
blessing. O the sacredness of daily communion with 
the angels! 

The glory of Modern Spiritualism is great. The 
beauty and reality of the truths of this religious 
science, this scientific religion, words are too weak to 
tell. When it is understood that it reunites us with 
our darlings who have left us, and that they again 
become our daily companions, its blessings may be 
realized to some extent. 

It is advisable for all who contemplate investigat- 
ing Modern Spiritualism, first to become familiar with 
its teachings, especially with the laws governing med- 
iumship and methods used by spirits in communicat- 
ing; and second, learning what is required of the in- 
vestigators, as well as the necessary conditions re- 
quired of the medium, in order to secure good results. 



132 SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP— 

When equipped with all of this knowledge, the honest 
investigator will enter the seance room with a prayer 
in his heart, a tender and holy aspiration in his soul, 
a beautiful complacency pervading his being, and the 
tender love for his darlings in spirit life dominating 
his entire nature. Then will he be in condition to 
open the gates of heaven and welcome the angel 
visitors. 

Contrast the above described conditions with the 
conditions in which the ignorant and unsophisticated 
investigator usually enters the seance room. In doing 
so one will soon learn why some people do not get 
satisfactory results in seances. Ignorance is man's 
worst enemy. Knowledge and wisdom are man's best 
friends. A knowledge of the truths of Modern Spirit- 
ualism is man's greatest blessing. 

In Conclusion. 

May this work prove a help and a blessing to many 
of the earnest and sincere aspirants for the good and 
true in mediumship. May the dear mediums and 
other faithful workers in the cause of Modern Spirit- 
ualism be encouraged to put forth greater effort in 
advancing our movement, which is now growing very 
fast and is rapidly enlightening the world. May all 
receive the blessings of heaven in as full measure as 
they have been, and are still being received by 

The Author. 



133 

Book Announcements 



A FUTURE LIFE DEMONSTRATED 

or 

TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS A PUBLIC MEDIUM. 

By E. W. Sprague. 

The author and his good wife, Mrs. C. A. Sprague, 
are well known workers in the cause of Spiritualism 
and have many dear friends throughout the land. 
They have served the National Spiritualists' Asso- 
ciation for thirteen consecutive years as missionaries, 
visiting a large majority of the states of the Union, 
holding meetings and seances, giving lectures, and 
exercising their mediumship from the public rostrum. 

The book contains a brief sketch of Mr. Sprague's 
ancestry, early life, opportunities for education, giving 
details regarding the development of Mr. and Mrs. 
Sprague as mediums. It is replete with detailed rec- 
ords of spirit manifestations, spirit phenomena, spirit 
communications, tests, and messages which were given 
to hundreds in the presence of thousands of people 
throughout the country. 

In this work Mr. Sprague claims to have demon- 
strated that the work of "mind-readers," Prof. Sun- 
deen, the Swedish mind-reader, and Prof. Seymour of 
the United States, at least, is produced by spirits. His 
tests as applied to that phase of occult phenomena 
seem to leave no doubt of the truth of his claim. 

He also emphatically claims and aims to prove that 
A FUTURE LIFE IS AS CERTAINLY DEMON- 
STRATED by Modern Spiritualism as is the law of 
gravitation or the daily revolution of the earth. 



134 

Mr. Sprague's wide experience, both with his own 
well developed mediumship and that of Mrs. 
Sprague's, as well as of many other mediums for va- 
rious phases with whom he has come in contact in 
his experience of more than a quarter of a centufy, 
gives strength to his claims. He declares that if 
these recorded facts do not demonstrate a future life 
for mankind, it is useless to look for accurate proof 
of anything, or to try to demonstrate the simplest 
fact in nature as being certainly true. 

We grieve for our loved ones who have passed out 
of this life, and we know that we, too, must pass away. 
This book contains abundant proof that these loved 
ones live beyond the grave, and that they can and do 
return and communicate with us. A knowledge of 
this fact is a great consolation to the grief-stricken 
ones left behind, and it also largely eliminates the 
great fear of death with which many are made mis- 
erable. 

This work is sent forth with the fervent prayer 
that it may be the means of blessing many suffering 
ones as greatly as the truths it contains have blessed 
its author. 

The book contains 362 pages of closely printed mat- 
ter, also excellent portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Sprague. 
It is handsomely bound in cloth. 

The price of the book is $1.00, postage paid. 



135 
"MODERN SPIRITUALISM/' 

TESTIMONIES OF LEADING SCIENTISTS 

and 

PROMINENT THEOLOGIANS, 

WHO, THROUGH CAREFUL INVESTIGATION, 

HAVE BECOME BELIEVERS IN 

ITS TRUTH. 

By Rev. E. W. Sprague, 

This little work is published in the hope of enlight- 
ening some of the law-makers and those who execute 
the laws, who, in their ignorance, or misunderstanding 
of the subject of Modern Spiritualism, class spirit 
mediums with ''fortune tellers" and ''fakirs," and 
Spiritualists with "fools," "lunatics," "gullibles," etc., 
arresting, fining, and sometimes imprisoning its med- 
iums. In doing this, they prejudice the public, creat- 
ing erroneous opinions regarding the subject and do- 
ing great injustice to a good cause, as well as bring- 
ing persecution upon a worthy, sincere and law-abid- 
ing people. 

The information contained in this pamphlet is of 
great value and it should be scattered broadcast. Es- 
pecially should it be placed in the hands of Clergy- 
men and other church members, Legislators, Judges, 
Jurors, Editors, Reporters, Policemen, and other offi- 
cials of States, Counties, and Municipalities. It should 
also be circulated among the officers and members of 
Spiritualist societies, and given to believers and un- 
believers everywhere. The distribution of this little 
pamphlet is missionary work, and is doing much good. 
Dear reader, will you assist by sending in your orders 
at once? 

The price is as follows: — 

Single Pamphlet, postage paid $ .10 

3 pamphlets " " 25 

1 dozen Pamphlets " " 80 

50 Pamphlets " " 3.00 

100 Pamphlets " " 5.00 



136 
SPIRIT MEDIUMSHIP. 

ITS VARIOUS PHASES, 

HOW DEVELOPED AND SAFELY PRACTICED. 

A COMPENDIUM OF PSYCHIC SCIENCE FOR 

SEANCES, CIRCLES, PSYCHIC CLASSES AND 

INDIVIDUAL USE. 

THE MEDIUMS' COMPANION AND GUIDE. 

By Rev. E. W. Sprague. 

Ex-Missionary of the National Spiritualists' Association 
of the United States of America. 

In publishing this book the author hopes to be of 
some assistance in eliminating the absurd and ridicu- 
lous vagaries that have become attached to Spiritua- 
lism and mediumship; and to assist in counteracting 
the extravagant and unjust claims of some of its op- 
ponents regarding ''The dangers of Psychism/' or the 
practice of mediumship; but most of all, to give en- 
couragement and assistance to mediums in their laud- 
able efforts to unfold the beautiful faculty of medium- 
ship. Every well developed medium and every well 
informed Spiritualist knows that the application of 
the teachings of Spiritualism is the salvation of man- 
kind, and that Modern Spirit-Mediumship is the rock 
upon which Spiritualism rests. 

It is therefore true that the development of a safe 
and sane mediumship is a fact of the most vital im- 
portance. 

The author being a public medium of thirty years' 
experience, has gathered many valuable facts regard- 
ing the subject, some of which have never been pub- 
lished before. 

This work is a text book of Psychic Science de- 
signed for use in the developing circle and in psychic 
classes. 

It contains 137 pages, also an excellent portrait of 
the author, and is bound in full cloth, embossed in 
gold. It becomes a valuable addition to one's 
library. Price $1.25, postage paid. 

Address orders to REV. E. W. SPRAGUE, 
251 West Canfield Ave. DETROIT, MICH. 



137 
THE SCIENCE OF SPIRIT COMMUNION 

ANALYZED AND EXPLAINED. 
By E. W. Sprague. 

This pamphlet is the second one of a contemplated 
series of similar ones explaining the facts, philosophy, 
science, and religion of Modern Spiritualism, and de- 
signed for missionary work. 

In this work Mr. Sprague makes the claim — which 
is sanctioned by Prof. Alfred R. Wallace of England 
and other leading scientists of the world — that spirit 
communion is as scientifically proven as is any other 
fact in nature, and his conclusions are as truly logical 
as they are deeply interesting. Mr. Sprague being a 
medium himself and having spent many years in the 
practice of his mediumistic powers, receiving and giv- 
ing spirit messages from the public rostrum, in the 
seance room, and in private, is considered more thor- 
oughly qualified to speak upon this all-important sub- 
ject than are some, otherwise wise men w^ho have no 
mediumship, and have had comparatively little exper- 
ience in such matters. The one who writes upon a 
subject with which he is not familiar, injures himself 
greatly, but he injures his readers, by misleading them, 
infinitely more. 

The price of this pamphlet is as follows : 

Single Pamphlet, postage paid $ .10 

3 Pamphlets '' '' 25 

1 dozen Pamphlets '' '' 80 

50 Pamphlets '' '' 3.00 

100 Pamphlets " " 5.00 

Address REV. E. W. SPRAGUE, 

251 West Canfield Avenue, 

DETROIT, Mich. 

These books are filled with facts of intense interest 
and should be in the possession of all Spiritualists and 
others who are interested in the problem of a future 
life for themselves and for the human race. 



JUL 22 1912 



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